Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete notification of a previous rating decision, need for additional medical opinions regarding hypertension and bilateral knee disability, and need for SSA records.

The Veteran's death is being remanded due to the recent PACT Act changes, and a VA physician needs to determine if his hypertension contributed substantially or materially to cause his death.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting information about the appellant's marriage status and a missing separation examination. The eligibility of the appellant as the surviving spouse needs to be determined, and the service treatment records need to be obtained.

The Board dismissed all claims except for service connection for hypertension, which was granted. The Veteran's PTSD prior to December 14, 2015, did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, finding that the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during his Vietnam service is presumed to be related to these conditions. The strokes are considered secondary to the now-service-connected hypertension.

The Board has decided to remand the service connection claims for left knee, right knee, carpal tunnel of upper extremities, cervical spine, second toe of right foot, left shoulder, and right shoulder disabilities. The decision is based on the need for additional private treatment records.

The Veteran's cause of death was not caused by a disability incurred or aggravated in service, including exposure to environmental hazards. The Board found that the Veteran's COPD and emphysema were more likely due to his long-term cigarette smoking than to any service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease in service and no continuity of symptoms since service. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have a nexus between his current diagnosis of hypertension and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for myelodysplastic syndrome and hypertension, finding that the evidence did not support a link to active service or any period of ACDUTRA/INACDUTRA.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is granted.,Service connection for hypertension on a basis other than as pursuant to the PACT Act is granted. Service connection for hypertension under the PACT Act is remanded due to potential prior effective date issues.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is granted.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity is granted.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity is granted.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity is granted.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II is granted.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, as it has been over five years since the last examination.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for COPD, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and hypertension. The appeal for service connection for hypertension is remanded due to its potential association with herbicide exposure.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for PTSD, CAD, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for a heart disorder and hypertension due to procedural issues, specifically the lack of an SOC. The case will be returned to the AOJ for issuance of an SOC.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding both hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II. The hypertension issue is being considered on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure, while the diabetes mellitus type II issue requires additional examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The Veteran's reported PTSD and depression are not supported by corroborated stressors, but hypertension is being examined further as it may be related to a psychiatric disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left and right heel spurs, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary issues, hypertension, hemorrhoids, acid reflux, bilateral tinea pedis, a disability of the lumbar or thoracic spine (upper back strain), and a headache disorder (migraines). The Board found that there is no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension and sinusitis, as the existing opinions are inadequate. The claims will be reconsidered after these addendum opinions are obtained.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as a presumptive condition due to herbicide exposure during service in Vietnam, effective October 1, 2026.,Service connection for neuropathy of the left lower extremity and right lower extremity is denied. The Board found no current diagnosis or treatment records indicating such conditions.