Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for diabetic nephropathy with hypertension prior to January 19, 2018 was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. As of January 19, 2018, a 100 percent rating was granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to March 26, 2014 due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes and hypertension as there was no evidence of these conditions during active service or within one year after separation, and the Veteran did not provide a medical opinion linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal for an earlier effective date prior to January 24, 2018, for a 10 percent evaluation for hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU rating, and the persuasive evidence of record is against a finding that his service-connected disabilities were of such nature and severity as to preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including an acquired psychiatric disability and secondary to his service-connected hearing loss, tinnitus, and/or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death is remanded due to incomplete medical records and need for a new VA opinion on whether any service-connected disabilities were a principal or contributory cause of death.

The Veteran's surviving spouse withdrew the claims for service connection for various conditions, including depression, diabetes mellitus type II, diverticulitis, elevated cholesterol, Parkinsonism, gall stones, hypertension, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, osteoarthritis, and pancytopenia.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sarcoidosis, right hip disability, avascular necrosis, osteoporosis, glaucoma (eye disability), a right hand disability, a left hand disability, hypertension, and bilateral foot disabilities. The issues are being addressed due to new evidence associated with his file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents, and service connection for hypertension is granted on a direct basis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for back condition, diabetes, hypertension, left knee condition, and right knee condition. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for PTSD, hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, gastrointestinal disability, left knee disability, and insomnia have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for a left knee disability and insomnia.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back disability and dysthymic disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since May 2011.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's pes planus, hypertension, TDIU, and nonservice-connected pension benefits based on permanent and total disability claims are all pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and diabetes mellitus due to scheduling issues with previous examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for service connection of a left ankle disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a diagnosis during service and insufficient continuity of symptomatology to establish service connection.

The Veteran's heart disability and hypertension are granted as presumptively related to herbicide agent exposure during service. Service connection for a lower back condition is denied.