Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

Service connection is granted for headaches, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss disability, and thoracolumbar spine disorder.,Service connection is denied for hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), RIGHT ankle disorder, LEFT knee disorder, RIGHT knee disorder, radiculopathy of the RIGHT lower extremity, radiculopathy of the LEFT lower extremity, and cervical spine / neck disorder.,Service connection is remanded for radiculopathy of the RIGHT upper extremity and radiculopathy of the LEFT upper extremity.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for vascular disease, hypertension, and heart condition due to inadequate VA examinations. The claims need to be reviewed again with additional opinions from a VA examiner regarding the etiology and pathophysiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye disability has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for testicular hypofunction with impotence, hyperlipidemia, hypertrophy of the prostate, and a lumbar spine disability have not been reopened or granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic kidney disease has been reopened and granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran will be provided with VA examinations for his claimed disabilities.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's heart disorder, including coronary artery disease and hypertension, is related to his service-connected anxiety disorder. However, a medical opinion is needed to determine if this relationship exists.

The Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis due to the Veteran's service-connected conditions from January 4, 2010, to June 12, 2011. The decision is based on evidence showing that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment during this period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.,Service connection is denied for status post sternum fracture, bilateral hearing loss, supraventricular arrhythmia, hypertension, eye condition, varicose veins, tinnitus, fibroids of the breast, bilateral pes planus, degenerative joint disease of the right hand, and degenerative joint disease of the left hand.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has remanded the claims for a headache disability, fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, herpes, hypertension, neuropathy of the right lower extremity, and neuropathy of the left lower extremity to obtain additional medical records and schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities from May 13, 1991 through May 11, 2010 was denied. The effective date for the grant of basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 prior to May 12, 2010 was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and an opinion on the etiology of his hypertension.

The Board has remanded several issues, including the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings. The effective date of service connection for hypertension is denied as it arose after July 30, 2013.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted service connection due to the PACT Act, while his erectile dysfunction remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension. The Appellant claims that his loss of teeth in service may have contributed to his hypertension.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's statements and need for a medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension due to insufficient explanation in the August 2021 decision regarding the Veteran's lay testimony about using aspirin and other medications to lower his blood pressure.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's hypertension and service connection claims, as well as his increased rating and TDIU claims. The issues will be remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.

The Board has denied an increased rating for hypertension and has remanded the issue of service connection for angioedema, which is secondary to hypertension.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected disability, and his claims for accrued benefits were not filed within one year of his death. The causes of the Veteran's death (cardiorespiratory arrest, end stage chronic obstructive lung disease, and coronary artery disease) are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The appellant's hypertension is denied as not related to service, while her low back disability is remanded due to insufficient evidence.