Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to hypertension, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his prescribed medication for hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was granted due to the PACT Act presumption of exposure. The respiratory disability issue is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's heart disability, diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea. The issues are related to exposure to hazardous materials while stationed at Fort McClellan.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and left ankle disability due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 20 percent for his left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to February 29, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not establish a diagnosis of hypertension, nor was there any link between the Veteran's military service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for high blood pressure and coronary artery disease as secondary to PTSD. The claim for headaches is reopened, but remains in remand status due to insufficient VA opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus granted his claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and low back disorder, finding no evidence of onset or causation in service. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee instability from June 27, 2011, to September 1, 2016, was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for hypertension prior to March 8, 2022, was denied as his blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a 20% evaluation. Since March 8, 2022, he received a 40% evaluation based on isolated elevated blood pressure readings.

Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected ischemic heart disease and major depressive disorder.,Hypertension is presumed due to herbicide exposure under the PACT Act, effective August 10, 2022.,An earlier effective date of March 23, 2018, for major depressive disorder is denied as there was no prior claim.,The disability rating for bilateral hearing loss is restored to 30 percent effective April 24, 2018.,A temporary total disability rating (100%) for ischemic heart disease following bypass surgery on April 6, 2020, is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and hypothyroidism, both of which are presumed to be related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his military service.,No specific rating or effective date was assigned as the decision is solely about granting service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted service connection under the PACT Act. His heart disability and lung disease are denied as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes.,Service connection for diabetes and bilateral upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies is granted with an effective date of June 29, 2006. The Veteran also received a grant on DEA benefits with the same effective date.,The initial disability ratings for various conditions are being remanded due to new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151 and TDIU are remanded due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors, including failure to obtain relevant treatment records and provide an adequate examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 30, 2018, for the grant of service connection for chronic kidney disease with hypertension has been denied. The Board also found that a remand is required due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error regarding private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the physical loss or permanent loss of use of one or both hands or feet, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ankylosis of one or both knees or hips. Therefore, he does not qualify for financial assistance in purchasing a vehicle and adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular and respiratory disabilities due to exposure to burn pits and nerve agents. The reasons include failure to consider evidence of early hypertension diagnosis, missing service treatment records, and improper narrowing of the scope of the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, including hypertension and tinnitus.