Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability during the appellate period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of its onset during active service or within one year of discharge. The preponderance of the evidence did not support a nexus between the current condition and military service.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for right wrist ligament tear and hypertension were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, lower back disability, left ankle disability, and hypertension due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's lay statements and buddy statements from his wife and fellow Veterans have been considered.

The Board has vacated the July 16, 2019 decision and remanded several issues related to service connection for various conditions. The claims are now pending with the RO for further review.

The Board has granted service connection for stomach/gastrointestinal disorder (including schistosomiasis), thrombophlebitis of the right leg, a back disorder, and cardiovascular disorder (including hypertension) as new and material evidence was submitted. The claims are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include anxiety, depression and PTSD is dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal has been granted.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for memory loss is denied because it is a manifestation of his service-connected PTSD with minor neurocognitive disorder and mild memory loss.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to diabetes mellitus and PTSD, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus, heart disorder, hypertension, and GERD due to inadequate medical opinions and additional development is required.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and dyshidrotic eczema of the hands. The Board dismissed these claims as withdrawn. His claim for TDIU was denied due to insufficient evidence showing he is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases of hypertension, pancreatis, and back problems for further development. The AOJ is required to seek records from Fort Dix in New Jersey and Germany.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and coronary artery disease, as well as the claim for a back disability due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran's in-service blood pressure readings and complaints of back pain are to be considered.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension and erectile dysfunction due to the need for updated medical opinions considering recent findings from the National Academy of Sciences.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of various disabilities, including left knee, right knee, back, neck, sleep disability, and hypertension, are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions. The effective date for TDIU benefits is set at December 1, 2011.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of service connection for bilateral hand disability, bilateral knee disability, gout, hypertension, mesothelioma, heart disability, and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, COPD (manifested by shortness of breath), IBS with bloody stool, and diverticulitis are all denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for coronary artery disease and hypertension, both of which are being reviewed due to potential herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The appeal for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the prior remand instructions and has therefore ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is related to his service, specifically exposure to herbicide agents in Korea. The hypertension claim is also being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, but the claims for diabetes mellitus and lumbar spine disability are remanded as additional medical opinions are needed.