Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's tinnitus and hypertension are granted service connection. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer (due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune), left knee disability, and right knee disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to an incomplete VA examination regarding service connection for hypertension, which may be related to exposure to environmental hazards during service in Southwest Asia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a heart disorder (arteriosclerosis), and a right eye disorder (cataract) due to inadequate development of his claims. The Veteran must be provided with VA examinations or medical opinions regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's syrinx of the thoracolumbar spine is granted service connection. The rating for headaches remains at 30 percent, and sinusitis remains at 10 percent. Service connection for left arm disability and hypertension are remanded.

The Veteran withdrew their appeals for higher ratings on a low back disability and hypertension, as well as TDIU prior to July 19, 2019.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to ischemic heart disease, which is presumed based on exposure to herbicide agents (including Agent Orange) during his Vietnam War service. The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 was dismissed as moot because the grant of service connection for the cause of death renders it unnecessary.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his hypertension. The issues remain on appeal as secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and left foot arthritis due to potential secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion to determine if his kidney disability is related to service or exposure to herbicide agents. The claim for hypertension remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart condition, including hypertension, due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed for the Veteran's cervical spine condition, lumbar spine condition, and hypertension claims due to insufficient medical evidence of record. The Veteran asserts her conditions began in service and are related to exposure during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to inextricably intertwined issues, and will be reconsidered after adjudication of other service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hypertension, left lower extremity alcohol polyneuropathy, and right lower extremity alcohol polyneuropathy have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hypertension and prostate disorder as there are outstanding records that need to be obtained, including service treatment records which were destroyed in a fire. The Veteran is also required to undergo VA examinations to determine the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic gastric muscle strain has been granted due to the submission of new and relevant evidence.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic residuals of strep throat and damaged tonsils, an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), a sleep disorder (insomnia), tinnitus, and hypertension have all been denied as there is no new and relevant evidence submitted since the October 2018 rating decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to exposure to Agent Orange, as well as secondary service connection for hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and lack of blood flow to the lower extremities. The Veteran's reported exposure in Guam is being verified, and a VA examination will be scheduled to determine the etiology of his diabetes and coronary artery disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right and left knee degenerative joint disease, as well as his claim for service connection for hypertension due to lack of recent VA treatment records and need for further examination.

The Board has granted an annual clothing allowance for the 2016 calendar year due to wear and tear associated with the Veteran's use of a wheelchair, which is used as part of his treatment for service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board has ordered a remand to determine if a higher rating is warranted. Additionally, the issue of whether the Veteran should be granted TDIU prior to July 28, 2015 is also being remanded.