Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular disorder (hypertension), and unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder have been dismissed. His claim for a higher rating of his service-connected unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder has been granted with a 70% disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal of his initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The Board has remanded the remaining issues due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral wrist carpal tunnel syndrome (right wrist). The Veteran's hypertension was not related to his military service, while the right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome may be aggravated by his service-connected right elbow disability.

The Board has determined that there have not been substantial compliance with the February 2021 remand directives, and thus another remand is necessary for further development regarding service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating for hypertension prior to December 31, 2015 and service connection for hepatitis B has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The Board acknowledges the Veteran’s in-service noise exposure but notes that his hearing was within normal limits while in service and inconsistent reports of tinnitus.

The Veteran's service-connected Graves' disease and hypertension have been granted, but the increased rating for Graves' disease is denied. The compensable rating for Pulmonary TB is also denied. Service connection for hypertension secondary to Graves' disease has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for ischemic heart disease due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Korea. The cases of peripheral neuropathy, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety), hypertension, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, blurred vision, and erectile dysfunction due to incomplete communication with the appellant.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease are granted due to presumed exposure to herbicides. The claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), kidney failure, liver inflammation/infection, and high blood pressure are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and diabetes, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not presumed due to his military service.,Service connection was also remanded for mitral valve prolapse and asthma.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cardiac arrhythmia and hypertension, both secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea. The case is being returned for further development and due process considerations.

The Veteran's initial migraine headache syndrome rating is granted at a 50 percent level. The issues of hypertension, left knee disabilities, and TDIU are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's heart disease and hypertension were not shown to be related to service or service-connected conditions.,Service connection for both conditions was denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the disabilities and military service.

The Board has ordered a remand for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, which is currently considered to be a direct service connection case without any presumption or secondary theory.

The Board has denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and has remanded the service connection claims for colon cancer, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral neuropathy of multiple extremities. Further development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to burn pits during his service at Camp Pendleton.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for restless leg syndrome, hypertension, a sleep disorder (insomnia and/or sleep apnea), and an acquired psychiatric condition due to potential exposure to Agent Orange during service. The Veteran's statements regarding his in-service experiences are considered.

The Veteran's claim for higher special monthly compensation (SMC) is denied because the evidence does not show he has any other disabilities or symptoms that would warrant a higher level of SMC.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension, to include as due to herbicides and/or as secondary to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder or diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for hypertension, finding that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.