Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and lung disability, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or other causative factors.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran did not have a chronic disease shown during service or within one year after separation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened due to the PACT Act. The Board has granted service connection for hypertension based on presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. Other claims, including COPD and left knee disability, are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities. Hypertension was also found to be related to service, but no rating is assigned due to lack of compensable manifestations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, hypertension, and a back disability have been denied. The claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for reopening service connection for tinnitus, psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and skin disorders have been granted. Service connection is also granted for tinnitus and hypertension due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. However, the claim for service connection for sleep apnea remains denied.

The Veteran's diabetes, bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and hypertension are all found to be related to his active duty service. The Board granted the Veteran's claims for these conditions based on presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has referred the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, kidney disorder, and cardiovascular disorder as secondary to hepatitis B and C with early stage cirrhosis back to the AOJ. The Court granted a JMPR that vacated the July 2021 decision and remanded these issues.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions, including cardiovascular disease, lumbar spine disability, lung cancer, hypertension, lymphoma, diabetes mellitus, and neuropathy, as the evidence does not support a link to active service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with chronic sleep impairment is granted as secondary to his service-connected lower back disability. The issues of increased ratings for hypertension, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, lower back surgical scars, effective dates for separate compensable ratings for radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, tinnitus, and hearing loss are remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as a result of herbicide exposure during service. The initial evaluation for PTSD remains at 30 percent, but the claim for an increased rating is denied. Service connection for psoriatic arthritis of both hands is granted based on secondary service connection due to his service-connected psoriasis.

The Veteran's claims are remanded due to a duty-to-assist error in not obtaining his military personnel records, which could have verified whether he served in the Republic of Vietnam and thus potentially exposed him to herbicide agents. The Board finds that this information is necessary for proper adjudication.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease is related to his herbicide exposure, and the claim for this condition is granted. The claims for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded as VA opinions are needed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, requiring him to rely on assistive devices for mobility. The Board has granted financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his permanent and total service-connected disability.

The Veteran's hypertension is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has found the March 2021 decision inadequate and remanded for an updated medical review to determine if the Veteran requires personal care services each time he completes one or more activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing, and toileting. The decision also notes that the Veteran may require regular supervision, protection, or instruction to keep himself safe.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his Vietnam service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for various disabilities and increased ratings, as well as an earlier effective date claim. The Veteran's claims are now pending with the RO.

The Veteran's service-connected unspecified trauma/stress-related disorder is granted. The Veteran's hypertension and hypokalemia are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension, which was diagnosed after service discharge. The Board requested an addendum opinion to address whether the hypertension is related to service or a service-connected condition.