Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, specifically regarding service connection for right ear hearing loss and an initial compensable rating for hypertension.

The Veteran's application to reopen the issue of entitlement to service connection for left ankle condition is granted. Service connection for residuals of left ankle sprain, including arthritis, is denied. The Veteran's hypertension is also denied.

The appeal for an earlier effective date for a 100 percent evaluation for renal failure, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease (with stent placement) is dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional development regarding herbicide agent exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease in service or within one year after separation. The Board also found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of hypertension is not related to his herbicide exposure during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran is asked to provide any additional relevant evidence, and a new VA medical opinion must be obtained.

The Board has remanded the claims for heart condition and hypertension due to in-service herbicide exposure, as further development is needed.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to sinusitis. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are considered established, and the evidence shows they began during active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 11, 2013 for the award of service connection for hypertensive cardiomyopathy as he did not file a formal or informal claim for this condition prior to that date.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims, including those related to diabetes mellitus and erectile dysfunction, due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Veteran's hypertension is not rated in excess of 10 percent.,There is no current diagnosis of a left leg disability, and the preponderance of evidence does not support service connection for this condition.,Similarly, there is no current diagnosis of a right leg disability, and the preponderance of evidence does not support service connection for this condition.,The Veteran's left knee disability has been diagnosed as arthritis, but the preponderance of evidence does not support service connection due to lack of in-service injury or disease.,Similarly, there is no current diagnosis of a right knee disability, and the preponderance of evidence does not support service connection for this condition.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been diagnosed as arthritis with myelopathy and radiculopathy. The preponderance of evidence does not support service connection due to lack of in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's cause of death was found to be multifactorial, with prostate cancer and hypertension contributing substantially or materially. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's hypertension, cervical spine disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and upper extremity radiculopathy are all remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he does not meet the schedular criteria and that there is no evidence of an exceptional or unusual disability picture. The Board concluded that the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not interfere with his ability to obtain and maintain gainful sedentary employment.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension due to her withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and dementia due to a lack of VA examination, and requests additional development including scheduling an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has denied service connection for tinnitus, hypertension, a right shoulder disability, and a left shoulder disability. The claims were previously remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and further examination.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, benign hypertrophy of the prostate, a separately diagnosed sleep disability, hypothyroidism, urinary incontinence, and vertigo as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to military service.,The Veteran's statements regarding the onset or relationship of his disabilities to military service were not supported by medical evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for COPD, prostate cancer, and hypertension due to a lack of VA treatment records. The Veteran's surviving spouse is now processing these claims.