Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's hypertension, right hip condition, left hip condition, obesity, migraine headaches, lumbar spine disability, and lower extremity radiculopathies have not been linked to service or a service-connected disability. As such, the claims for these conditions are denied.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremities were evaluated separately in this decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been dismissed because the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease have been granted. The claim for hypertension is remanded due to new evidence indicating a possible link with herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted. The housebound claim is dismissed due to the grant of SMC by reason of regular need for aid and attendance. The claims for increased evaluations for coronary artery disease and left knee arthroscopy are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is likely caused by his service, including exposure to herbicide agents like Agent Orange. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for low back disability and hypertension due to incomplete service treatment records, inadequate VA examination reports, and lack of continuity of symptoms documentation. The RO is tasked with obtaining missing records from her second period of active duty service, locating in-service chiropractic care records, scheduling a new VA examination, and considering the credibility of her lay statements regarding low back pain.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD due to MST, but the claims for hepatitis C, OSA, and hypertension are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas, warranting a rating of 70 percent from November 22, 2013. The appeal is remanded for further evaluation on the issues of increased ratings for various conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities and their relationship to his current conditions. The VA will obtain updated treatment records, including from September 2021 onwards, and provide a new opinion on whether these conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, as secondary to obstructive sleep apnea. The remand is due to an inadequate rationale in a previous VA opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examination regarding hypertension and its relation to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for hypertension due to insufficient evidence regarding whether it was caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has granted service connection for COPD, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (chronic adjustment disorder) due to in-service asbestos exposure. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is REMANDED.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension due to in-service herbicide exposure. The case is remanded for further development regarding the Veteran's CVA and SMC claim.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left ankle disability due to the July 1987 MVA is denied.,Service connection for osteoarthritis of the lower back and hypertension secondary to PTSD are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and conflicting medical opinions. The issues of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction are being reviewed.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, with diabetic retinopathy, hypertension and erectile dysfunction is remanded for further development. The issue of individual unemployability prior to May 24, 2016 is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his in-service asbestos exposure, as well as its relation to service-connected asbestosis with interstitial lung disease.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and he is now rated at 100% for PTSD from September 26, 2019 to January 8, 2020.,Hypertension is service connected as a result of herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.,Left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremities peripheral neuropathy are all granted as service-connected due to herbicide agent exposure.,TBI residuals are also granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits was granted effective September 30, 2014. The criteria for both were met as of that date.