Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's lumbar disability and PTSD have been granted service connection. The claims for headaches and hypertension secondary to PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The hypertension claim was denied as the evidence did not show diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more. The low back sprain/spasm with history of arthritis claim was denied as there was no reduction in flexion to less than 30 degrees after March 17, 2021. The right lower extremity radiculopathy claim resulted in a grant of an initial 20 percent rating effective September 8, 2015.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hypertension and cervical spine condition due to additional development being necessary, including obtaining medical opinions.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of hypertension is service-connected as a result of in-service herbicide agent exposure, with the PACT Act establishing this connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for sleep apnea. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension have been denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for headaches, hypertension, and CVA due to new evidence regarding performance evaluations during service. The TDIU claim remains inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to his service-connected herpes zoster. The case is being returned for a new VA examination and additional development of records.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected hypertension and his claim for service connection for foot disability, including plantar fasciitis, were both denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for hypertension or a finding of service connection for the foot disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal of the claims.,No new evidence or changes in disability status were presented, and all issues on appeal are now closed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, neck condition, right shoulder condition, and carpal tunnel in the right hand, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea have been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to need the regular aid and attendance of another person, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were partially granted, with some issues being reopened and others not. The appeal is dismissed as to the claim of retinopathy due to its full grant. Claims for skin disability, arthritis, high blood pressure, foot injury residuals, and respiratory disorder are all partially granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for unspecified depressive disorder is dismissed.,The previously denied claim for service connection for non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis has been reopened and granted on secondary basis to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.,Service connection for hypertension is granted as secondary to obesity, which was caused by his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.,Service connection for cerebral infarction is granted as secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted as secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.,Service connection for migraine headaches is granted as secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.,Service connection for sleep impairment is denied.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected hypertension or diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for gastroenteritis is denied.,Service connection for chronic kidney disease is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,Service connection for rhinitis, sinusitis, and bronchitis is granted as related to service.,Service connection for fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome is denied.,Special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of another person is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back, neck, left and right knee disabilities, as well as his hypertension, are related to his active duty service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypertension are all granted due to presumed exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Thailand.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee condition and hypertension, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for a respiratory disability and remanded the claims of hypertension and cataracts. The Veteran's attorney requested additional information regarding the qualifications of the VA examiners.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypertension, finding that there is no current disability for which service connection can be granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a heart disability due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service. The reduction in the hypertension rating from 10% to 0% is denied, with the Board finding that the RO failed to consider the Veteran's history of diastolic pressure readings above 100 mm Hg requiring continued treatment.