Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clear evidence.,Service connection is not granted for hypertension, skin disability (melanoma), or an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and hypertension were denied as they did not manifest within one year of service or are otherwise related to service.,Service connection for depressive disorder unspecified with anxious distress (claimed as PTSD) is remanded due to the need for further examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease and hypertension are granted due to exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty. The claim for hypertension is granted under the PACT Act.,Service connection for hypertension is granted based on a March 6, 2017, claim. However, this issue is remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine if it is related to service-connected coronary artery disease.,The Veteran's melanoma claim is remanded as the Board needs more information about its relationship to his service.

The Board denied a compensable disability rating for service-connected hypertension, finding that the Veteran's blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as a condition presumptively caused by Agent Orange exposure during service in Vietnam, effective August 10, 2022.

The Board denied the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that there is no evidence linking his death to in-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, with hypertension and bilateral onychomycosis is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for polycythemia vera, hypertension, and residuals of a stroke as secondary to hypertension have been granted. The appeals for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD rating, and TDIU prior to July 10, 2018 remain pending.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for service connection and TDIU related to low back condition, hypertension, breast cancer, type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome affecting both upper extremities, and entitlement to a total disability evaluation due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension was granted, and he is now entitled to a grant of service connection. The Veteran also has been granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) but not for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's chronic kidney disease is related to military environmental exposures at Wurtsmith Air Force Base.,Service connection for hypertension, including as due to military environmental exposures, is remanded. The relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and service is unclear.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and erectile dysfunction, as well as his TDIU claim due to new evidence and updated treatment records. The Veteran is also required to provide VA examinations to assess current symptom severity.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension.

The Board has decided that a remand is necessary due to the lack of proper authorization for medical records from Dr. D.M., and the need to obtain additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's flexion contracture of the left fifth digit PIP has been granted an initial compensable rating.,Service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder) is denied.,Service connection for left shoulder strain is dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal on this issue.,Service connection for spinal fusion, left knee strain, status post arthroscopy, hearing loss, right side and hypertension are all remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and hypertension do not render him bedridden, confined to his immediate premise, or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. Therefore, SMC based on need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Board denied service connection for brain aneurysm, coronary artery disease (CAD), epilepsy secondary to brain aneurysm, hypertension, and prostate cancer. The Veteran's claims were not supported by evidence of in-service exposure or a link between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, right foot condition, and increased evaluation for tinnitus were dismissed. The remaining issues of service connection for various knee disabilities, shoulder conditions, and hearing loss are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding whether hypertension is secondary to service-connected disabilities, including pain from multiple service-connected conditions. Additional medical opinion is needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been reopened and granted on a presumptive basis due to his Persian Gulf service. Service connection is also granted for fibromyalgia as a qualifying chronic disability related to his Persian Gulf service, and headaches are found to be secondary to his service-connected somatization disorder.,The Veteran's initial 70 percent rating for somatization disorder with depressive disorder, NOS, PTSD and memory loss prior to September 6, 2019 is granted. The issue of a higher rating after that date remains pending.