Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, secondary to Agent Orange exposure, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's hypertension was related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The decision resolves reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board finds that there may be outstanding medical records from Fort Dix that could substantiate his claims.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is secondary to his acquired psychiatric disorder, as evidenced by recent medical literature. Further development is needed to determine if this relationship exists.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with PTSD and other mental health conditions related to service. The Board finds a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to in-service stressors.,The Veteran's low back and cervical spine disorders are likely related to his military service, as evidenced by documented symptoms during service. VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.,The Veteran has a history of acne on his face while in service. A VA examination is needed to assess whether his current pseudofolliculitis barbae condition may be related to his military service.,

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for new VA examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected conditions, as well as the newly raised issues of secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension, which is claimed as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disorder and possibly related to herbicide exposure.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, ED as secondary to service-connected disabilities, and OSA as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during service or were related to in-service events or diseases.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, GERD, bilateral leg disability (claimed as a gait condition), right shoulder disability, bilateral shoulder disability, neck disability, lower back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to their potential secondary relationship with her service-connected PTSD.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims of hypertension and heart condition due to herbicide exposure. The decision on these issues is pending further development.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Veteran's claims for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and hypertension due to insufficient evidence or lack of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has previously remanded these matters for evidentiary development. The VA examinations and medical opinions have been obtained, but the Board finds that the November 2020 VA opinions are inadequate and requires another remand.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for respiratory, musculoskeletal, metabolic disorders, ulcer, and right ear hearing loss. Service connection is granted for hypertension and thyroid disability as secondary to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension is not rated higher than noncompensable due to the lack of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more. The one isolated reading does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, and his service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for type 2 diabetes, hypertension, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and a skin disorder all related to in-service exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE).

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and sleep apnea, but remanded these issues due to insufficient evidence regarding the in-service stressor.,Service connection is also being remanded for hypertension as it is inextricably intertwined with the PTSD and sleep apnea claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his in-service herbicide exposure, as well as its relation to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and erectile dysfunction due to insufficient medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to his service-connected CAD, herbicide exposure, or other factors. The AOJ is instructed to obtain addendum opinions from appropriate clinicians.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension and kidney failure, both secondary to service-connected muscle contraction headaches.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for diverticulitis was dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal. The appeals for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and a thoracolumbar spine disability are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for chloracne and remanded the issues of PTSD rating, hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, and erectile dysfunction. The case is being returned to the RO for further development.