Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2021

An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension prior to May 3, 2019, is denied.,A 20 percent rating, but no more, for hypertension from May 3, 2019, is granted.,An initial 30 percent rating, but no more, for left gynecomastia with breast reduction is granted.

The Veteran's claims for hair loss, a psychiatric disability (including PTSD and major depressive disorder), and hypertension have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. Service connection is granted for hair loss.,The Veteran’s right knee and left knee disabilities are remanded as additional information is needed regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected dermatitis was denied as the condition does not cover at least 20 percent of the entire body or exposed areas affected, and does not require systemic therapy such as corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs during the past 12-month period.,The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for an addendum opinion to determine if it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his active duty service, including herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and TDIU due to issues with the VA examiner's opinion regarding Agent Orange exposure. The claims are also inextricably intertwined with the hypertension claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, headaches, ankle and leg disabilities, knee disability, and shoulder arthritis, were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or relationship to service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II, service connection for hypertension secondary to diabetes, and TDIU prior to May 13, 2019. The issues are being remanded for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection based on chronicity in service. The right hip disability with limitation of flexion prior to May 23, 2017 is rated noncompensable and from that date is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connection due to presumed exposure to herbicides during service.,Service connection for gout is denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service and it is not related to service.

The Veteran's hypertension was evaluated and found not to meet the criteria for a compensable rating at any point during the appeal period, as his blood pressure readings were consistently below the thresholds required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is granted with a 70% rating, effective from the date of his RAMP election. Service connection for PTSD is also granted. The claim for hypertension remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the claims due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left shoulder DJD, hypertension, and TDIU due to issues with VA examinations and new evidence.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, type II, and low back disability as the evidence did not show a direct relationship to service.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.,The Veteran's difficulty sleeping is not considered a separate disability and thus, his claim for service connection for this condition is denied.,Service connection for anemia is denied because there is no evidence linking the condition to service or presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.,An opinion is needed regarding whether generalized osteoarthritis is related to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hip and knee conditions, as well as any aggravation of these conditions by his service-connected disabilities.,The claim for numbness of the hands remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to increased ratings for service-connected disabilities and the TDIU issue. Additional development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sudden death syndrome, congestive heart failure, hypertension, right upper extremity myopathy, and diabetes mellitus due to issues with the adequacy of the opinions provided in September 2020.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is related to his active service, including Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension and bilateral diplopia prior to June 5, 2019 are not rated higher than noncompensable. The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and hypertension, finding that there is no evidence of current disabilities related to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the secondary service connection claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for additional private medical records.