Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was caused by his service-connected ischemic heart disease, and thus granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to IHD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee condition due to lack of evidence of current disability during or contemporary to the appeal period. The claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, sleep apnea, and hypertension are remanded as additional development is needed.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate assistance and need for a new medical opinion regarding hypertension. The TDIU claim is also being remanded as it may be affected by the outcome of the service connection issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and kidney disease due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during service. The Veteran will need to provide authorization for private treatment records, and a VA examination will be scheduled to determine if his conditions are related to in-service insecticide or herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, back disability, right hip disability, and left hip disability are not service-connected as they did not have their onset during or within one year after service. The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension were not incurred in service.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension is denied due to lack of evidence showing exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD or medications used to treat it. The case will be returned for further development and an addendum opinion based on an accurate legal standard.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus, resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance due to his physical incapacity. The Board found that he met the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has denied an increased rating for hypertension and has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, heart condition, right and left leg deep vein thrombosis, glaucoma, lung condition, face numbness, and depression. The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to outstanding treatment records and the need for medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for additional special monthly compensation (SMC).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and a skin disability due to potential issues with causation, aggravation, and exposure. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and degenerative joint disease of the upper and lower back have been granted service connection. The Board has also remanded for further examination to determine the nature and etiology of hypertension, degenerative joint disease of the arms, elbows, wrists, shoulders, neck, and a heart condition.

The Board dismissed the appeals of the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, but has remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension due to incomplete information about the Veteran's Reserve service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and arteriosclerotic heart disease (high cholesterol), but denied reopening of his claim for avascular necrosis. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to bipolar disorder, service connection for avascular necrosis, and an increased rating for bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened, and he is now entitled to a disability rating of 70 percent for major depressive disorder.,His right hip, shoulder, elbow, hand, and left foot plantar fasciitis conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II (DM), and musculoskeletal chest wall pain or chest wall pain resulting in functional impairment are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.,The VA has not provided sufficient evidence to determine whether the Veteran's conditions are secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disorder with sleep impairment.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted with a 10% rating, effective from the date of service connection.,The initial GERD rating remains at 10%, but a 30% rating is granted starting May 31, 2012.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected, but remanded for further development to clarify the etiology of his condition and address any potential aggravation by his service-connected adjustment disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected hypertension is remanded due to the need for additional VA and TRICARE treatment records, as well as an addendum VA medical opinion considering all blood pressure readings.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea. The claims for upper respiratory disorder, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic fatigue syndrome are remanded due to insufficient evidence.