Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 100% rating effective from December 18, 2020.,No other conditions have an effective date prior to July 28, 2016.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected due to lack of evidence. The decision is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to in-service herbicide exposure, or if it is proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of ischemic heart disease, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claim for service connection was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. Service connection is granted for PTSD, headaches, and essential tremors of both hands. The Veteran is also granted a TDIU effective from January 23, 2013.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.,The Board also found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; hypertension; and a respiratory disorder are remanded due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the presence of these conditions. The RO must obtain updated VA and private treatment records and schedule examinations to determine if the Veteran has current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's heart condition and hypertension were not incurred in service, nor are they related to his military service.,Right ear SNHL was not incurred in service or due to exposure to herbicides. The Veteran's low back condition, erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, type II, varicose veins, peripheral vascular disease, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities were also not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including cardiovascular disability, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, acquired psychiatric disability, neurological disability (vertigo), bilateral hip and knee disabilities, bilateral ankle disabilities, radiculopathy of upper and lower extremities, and a rating for multilevel spondylosis and mild spinal stenosis. The remand requires additional examinations and medical opinions to address the Veteran's claims.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and various psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and major depressive disorder. The Veteran's current conditions are not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's employment status prior to May 17, 2018. The AOJ is requested to obtain financial and tax documents for this period to determine if the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's prostate condition, heart conditions, and diabetes mellitus were denied service connection due to lack of exposure to Agent Orange during his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and asthma due to inadequate opinions regarding direct service connection, as well as potential secondary service connection theories.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension and heart disease.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly compensation have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and loss of use of a creative organ (sterility) due to lack of sufficient medical evidence. The Veteran's hypertension is granted as it was caused by exposure to chemical toxins in service. Diabetes mellitus and infertility are being remanded for further clarification on their etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine and hypertension have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claim for hernia, right side is denied as there is no medical evidence linking it to service or herbicide exposure.,Service connection has not been established for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) as the Veteran's claims are based on unsupported lay assertions without corroborating evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for substance abuse, hypertension, right ankle disability, and left ankle disability must be remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his blood pressure readings have not consistently been predominantly 110 or more in diastolic or 200 or more in systolic.