Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2022

Service connection for hypothyroidism and hypertension is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during service. Service connection for atrial fibrillation is restored with a 30% disability rating effective September 3, 2021.,Service connection for hypertension is granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during service. The prior reduction of the atrial fibrillation rating from 30% to 10% is restored.,

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical pain, lower back disability, bilateral foot disability, bronchitis, hypertension, stomach injury, ulcer disease, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board found that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service, and that any current conditions are not related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cataract disorder. The case will be returned for a new opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that it is at least as likely as not due to the Veteran's presumed herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam. The decision also notes that hypertension was added as a disease warranting presumptive service connection based on exposure to herbicide agents by an August 2022 law update.

The Board has found a pre-decisional duty to assist error and has ordered a VA examination for the Veteran's high blood pressure claim. The examiner is asked to determine if the disability had its onset in service or is otherwise related to active service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including psychiatric disability, migraines, left shoulder and right shoulder disabilities, lumbar spine disability, tinnitus, hypertension, left knee disability, right foot disability, and right leg scar, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the cases of hypertension and OSA for additional opinions to determine if they are related to service-connected conditions or exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran's eligibility for service connection on these theories is also under review.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension due to herbicide exposure, but the case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding essential tremors.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with anxiety is found to be related to service, and service connection for this condition is granted.,His left shoulder arthritis is determined to be due to overuse from his work as a warehouse clerk during service, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the evidence is approximately balanced in favor of a link between the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents and his current diagnosis.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand, under the provisions of the PACT Act.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hypertension is granted due to the PACT Act, which provides presumptive service connection for hypertension associated with exposure to herbicide agents like Agent Orange.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to hypertension, which is presumed related to herbicide exposure under the PACT Act. The Board also found that hypertension likely contributed to the Veteran's decline and death.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete opinions and need for further examination. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability and heart disability are being reviewed, as they may be related to service-connected hypertension.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected PTSD and his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for the cause of death and aggravation of service-connected conditions. The Veteran's exposure to herbicides is now presumed under a new law.

The Veteran's GERD and hypertension are found to be caused by his service-connected disabilities, including his low back disability and PTSD.,Service connection is granted for GERD as a result of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination as they are not adequately addressed in the current record.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus as there was no evidence of a disease or injury during service, and symptoms were not chronic in service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have continuous symptomatology since service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for HTN, a heart disability (CAD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) of the bilateral lower extremities, kidney disability, and PTSD due to potential medical issues and need for further examination.