Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and residuals of multiple ischemic strokes, finding that the Veteran's stroke residuals are more likely caused by his service-connected hypertension. The issue of service connection for multiple ischemic strokes is now resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension due to inadequate medical opinions provided by VA examiners. The Veteran contends that his weight problems, which led to obesity, were caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, right ankle instability, right shoulder dislocation, and lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's diabetes and hypertension are rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent. The Veteran's left and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are each rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum available rating for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, specifically regarding the relationship between hypertension and Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's cause of death is being reviewed again with new evidence considered.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his heart condition and lower extremity neuropathies, have resulted in a loss of use of one or more extremities that precludes locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. As such, he is eligible for specially adapted housing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under VA's Rating Schedule. The Veteran's sickle cell anemia is remanded due to a pre-decisional error in duty to assist.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and kidney stones due to conflicting medical opinions. The service connection for these conditions is denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the current diagnoses and service.

The Veteran's appeal for hypertension has been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for asbestosis due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's hypertension, left eye pterygium with dry eye syndrome, right wrist ganglion cyst with painful motion, lumbar spine IVDS, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder disability have been rated based on their respective service-connected conditions. The Veteran received a combined schedular rating of 100 percent from April 1, 2014.

The Veteran's tinnitus, deviated septum, sleep apnea, hypertension, GERD, sinusitis, and asthma have been granted service connection.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for forehead scar is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, left hip, and right knee disabilities as well as hypertension due to incomplete examination reports and the need for additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, bilateral foot disability, bilateral shoulder disability, and lumbar spine disability due to missing evidence in the Veteran's May 2021 submission.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung disorder, claimed as COPD and emphysema, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence supporting a nexus between his current condition and service. The heart disorder, hypertension, and stroke residuals claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of his service-connected disabilities' impact on employment.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection for various conditions due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and no higher. The left shoulder disability has been rated at 20 percent prior to December 29, 2020, and 40 percent from that date forward.,The Board found the evidence insufficient to grant a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection of skin disorder, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ratings for various conditions and claims of secondary service connection. The decision also notes that there are outstanding VA treatment records which need to be obtained.

The Board dismissed all the appeals as they are related to deceased Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his claimed Vietnam service and exposure to herbicide agents. The Board will also consider the secondary service connection issues as they are inextricably intertwined with the primary claim.