Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tension headaches, peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension due to incomplete development. The Veteran will need an in-person or telehealth examination for his tension headaches, updated VA treatment records must be obtained, and additional opinions are needed regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy and hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, dizzy spells (secondary to hypertension), erectile dysfunction (due to hypertension), bilateral foot fungus, and toenail fungus. The evidence did not support a link between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a right ankle fracture and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's conditions did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims of increased ratings for hypertension and degenerative joint disease of the left knee, as well as the claim for TDIU due to the need for additional evidentiary development. The Veteran's representative has raised the issue of unemployability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus as secondary to hypertension, and heart condition as secondary to hypertension. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or any other service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence presented by the Veteran, which requires a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any back disability. The claim for increased rating for hypertension is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to self-care for some daily personal needs and to protect herself from the hazards of daily life without the assistance of another person, warranting SMC based on the need for A&A.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's nutritional deficiencies, hypertension secondary to these deficiencies, thyroid disability, DM secondary to a thyroid disability and zinc deficiency, fatty liver, and cardiovascular disability (including IHD and CAD) all related to his in-service exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for thrombocythemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus as secondary to in-service exposure to herbicides due to a lack of adequate etiological opinions.

The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is associated with his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The Veteran's hypertension is reasonably shown to be proximately due to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

Service connection is granted for myeloid leukemia due to exposure to Camp Lejeune contaminated water. Other conditions are denied.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for heart disorder other than hypertension, including as secondary to his service-connected conditions, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted, as he requires assistance with dressing and preparing meals due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches but has remanded the case for further development regarding hypertension.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if any of the Veteran's conditions are related to service or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to incomplete National Guard records and need for a medical opinion on the cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and a need for a new VA opinion regarding the cause of death.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to July 19, 2017 for the grant of service connection for right ear hearing loss has been withdrawn. The appeal for service connection for tinnitus is dismissed. The appeals for initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss and service connection for hypertension are REMANDED.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been granted, and the appeal is dismissed as there are no remaining issues to be decided.