Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a separate compensable evaluation for hypertension, secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for further evidentiary development due to the AOJ's failure to obtain private records from San Juan Capestrano Hospital. The SSOC was not provided to the Appellant.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and sleep apnea. The claims are inextricably intertwined with hypertension.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right leg and ankle disability, but has remanded his claim for service connection for heart disability including hypertension due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's right knee disability status post total knee replacement is granted as service connection. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss, cervical/lumbar spine disability, hypertension (HTN), and abnormal heart rate are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam under the PACT Act. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, left knee disability, and colon cancer are remanded as they do not meet the criteria for service connection based on the PACT Act.

Service connection for hypertension is granted due to the PACT Act. Service connection for bilateral knee disorder and left hip disorder is denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or continuity of symptomatology. Service connection for post-herpetic neuralgia is denied based on lack of medical diagnosis.

The Veteran's special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted, effective from his death in December 2021.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension is granted. Service connection for prostate cancer, presumed due to exposure to burn pits, is also granted under the PACT Act. The issue of service connection for prostate cancer on any other basis than the PACT Act is remanded.

The Board has determined that new evidence has been submitted and the claims for service connection must be remanded to allow for further review by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, hypertension, and low testosterone due to exposure to toxins at Fort McClellan between July 1959 and December 1970.

The Veteran's hypertension is related on a secondary basis to his service-connected anxiety disorder, kidney disease, and sleep apnea. The Board finds that the opinions of record do not adequately address this relationship and remands for new opinions from an appropriate VA medical examiner.

The Veteran's cause of death was dysrhythmia due to cardiopulmonary failure and cardiac arrest, with PVD listed as a significant condition. The Board found service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is warranted based on his exposure to herbicides during service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the appellant.

The Board has denied service connection for headaches and bilateral hearing loss, but granted service connection for hypertension secondary to a service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical evidence and a need for further examination. The issues include right inguinal hernia, left hip condition (osteoarthritis), right hip condition (osteoarthritis), and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and atrial fibrillation due to insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran reported exposure to hazardous chemicals while serving in the Navy, but there are conflicting findings regarding blood pressure readings during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for ulcerative colitis, spleen cyst, kidney cyst, heart disorder (cardiac arrhythmia), and hypertension due to exposure to herbicide agents at Fort Chaffee. The VA must provide a medical examination or opinion to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining additional medical records and providing addendum opinions. The issues of increased rating for left knee TKA replacement, service connection for right hip disorder, OSA, migraine headaches, HTN, and right knee disorder are all being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine disability, right and left foot disabilities, and hypertension due to inadequate examinations.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted on a direct basis. The Board found that the probative evidence supported the claim, as there is enough epidemiological evidence to support a positive association between in-service herbicide agent exposure and hypertension.