Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's death was caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome and klebsiella pneumonia, with hypertension as a contributory cause. Service connection for cause of death is granted due to the PACT Act presumption of association between hypertension and exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has dismissed all issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to his death.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied. The Veteran's coronary artery disease from October 3, 2015 is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that new and material evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran's GERD was granted a 10 percent rating prior to May 10, 2022 and a 30 percent rating beginning on that date.,A 10 percent rating for hypertension was granted prior to January 14, 2019. No higher rating is warranted after that date.,The Veteran's migraine headaches were granted a 50 percent rating effective from May 10, 2022.,No higher ratings are warranted for either GERD or hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including cervical strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine, right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, basilar skull fracture, and status post tympanoplasty, are being remanded for further evaluation due to lack of recent VA examinations.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as due to herbicide agent exposure under the PACT Act. However, his secondary service connection claims for stroke and prostate condition are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of seizure disorder, residuals of a stroke, or syncope and has not had these conditions at any time during the pendency of the claim or recent to the filing of the claim.,Regarding her claimed acquired psychiatric disorder (Panic Disorder), the Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to determine whether it clearly and unmistakably preexisted service. The Veteran's panic symptoms are attributed to unknown causes, and she cannot resolve whether they were caused by or a result of service-connected activities without resorting to mere speculation.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted a 10 percent rating, but no higher. The Board also remanded the claims for increased rating of bipolar II disorder and TDIU due to insufficient development.

The Board has dismissed the claim of service connection for hypertension as it was granted in a previous rating decision.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as presumed due to exposure to herbicide agents. The initial rating for diabetes prior to February 22, 2021 and thereafter from October 4, 2021 is denied. From February 22, 2021 to October 4, 2021, a 20 percent rating for diabetes is granted. Separate ratings of 20 percent are granted for right lower extremity PAD and left lower extremity PAD from June 15, 2019 to October 20, 2021. SMC at the housebound rate is granted from June 15, 2019 to October 20, 2021.

The claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension are denied.,The claim for secondary service connection for a respiratory disability (asthma and COPD) is also denied.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and remanded the issues of TBI with headaches, left knee strain, right knee strain, and TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiac disorder, idiopathic chronic neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and lumbar spine disability due to lack of in-service incurrence or link to service. The Veteran was not exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Korea.

The Veteran's sexual dysfunction is not related to service, as there are no in-service complaints or diagnoses. The claim is denied.,There is insufficient evidence linking the bilateral knee disorder and arthritis to service. The claim is denied.,Hypertension is not linked to service. The claim is denied.,The chronic lower-GI disorder is also not related to service, with no in-service complaints or diagnoses noted. The claim is denied.

The Board has granted presumptive service connection for hypertension due to herbicide agent exposure under the PACT Act. However, secondary service connection for hypertension is remanded as an additional opinion is needed.

The Board denied SMC based on the need for aid and attendance, finding that her functional impairments were not solely caused by service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the merits of the Veteran's claims, including those related to service connection for various conditions. The case is therefore being remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disability, right knee disability, and left foot disability have been granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected low back disability.,Service connection has also been granted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and Bipolar Disorder) and hypertension. However, these issues are remanded due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to a lack of recent medical evaluations, particularly for hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's bilateral tinea pedis case is also being remanded.