Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2022

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to nonservice-connected pension and granted it, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The appeal is remanded for further adjudication regarding the appropriate rate of pension based on the Veteran's income, medical expenses, net worth, and need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding private treatment records from Dr. S. and Dr. T., which are needed for a full evaluation of the Veteran's hypertension claim.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for allergic rhinitis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypertension (HTN), left ankle condition, and tinea versicolor due to incomplete service records and lack of authorization for private treatment evidence. Additional development is needed to clarify the Veteran's periods of service and obtain relevant medical records.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective from the date of decision.,For her low back disability, she was granted a 20 percent disability rating prior to March 26, 2013 and a 40 percent disability rating thereafter. The appeal for higher ratings remains denied.,The Veteran's PTSD is rated at a 70 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's eczematoid dermatitis is rated as 60% from October 1, 2020. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral eye disorder due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear evidence.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) due to lack of a current diagnosis. The claims for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension (HTN), right leg muscle pain, and angioedema are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to potential herbicide exposure in Korea. The Veteran's unit is alleged to have been near the DMZ, but further verification is needed.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected physical disabilities, which have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since July 29, 2014.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, a liver condition, and a vertigo/equilibrium condition due to incomplete records from a naturopathic provider in Hawaii. The Veteran is requested to provide authorization for VA to obtain these records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss due to outstanding treatment records and the need for medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease (an ischemic heart disease) are granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure.,The Veteran's hypertension is remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension due to inadequate VA medical examinations and because of its inextricably intertwined with her heart condition claim. The case is now back at the Board for further action.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted a 10 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back disability and hypertension, finding no evidence of such conditions during or immediately after service, and concluding that any current disabilities are not related to service.,The Veteran's hypertension was diagnosed in the late 1970s, but there is no indication it manifested during his active duty service.

The Veteran's GERD/hiatal hernia with erosive gastritis is rated at 30 percent, but no more, since May 31, 2013.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for the right thumb scar is granted.

The Veteran's initial rating for a lumbar spine disability was denied as her condition did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.,The Veteran's hypertension was also denied, with no specific reason provided in the decision.

The Board has denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and remanded the remaining issues due to lack of current diagnosis. The Veteran's claims for low back, hip, leg, hypertension, and psychiatric disorders are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for impetigo, diabetes mellitus type II, coronary artery disease, and hypertension have been granted. The claim for acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression) is remanded.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities are also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, retinopathy, headaches, erectile dysfunction, insomnia, and skin disability of the feet due to inadequate medical opinions in the previous VA examinations. The Veteran's service connection claims are being remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, but the appeal is remanded for further development on other issues including hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, thyroid disability, low back disability, and degenerative arthritis.