Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed due to withdrawal of claims.

The Board granted an increased disability rating of 60 percent for the service-connected hypertension with diabetic nephropathy from March 9, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board has determined that additional development is required, including VA examinations and a review of her medical records.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including hypertension, PTSD with cognitive disorder, sinusitis, knee disorders, allergic rhinitis, cerebral infarction residuals secondary to moyamoya disease, and right upper extremity disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed for these claims.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a mental health condition is dismissed. The Board also remanded the claims for an earlier effective date and initial compensable rating for hypertension.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of frostbite, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome due to a lack of proper claimant status.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension and hypothyroidism have been granted. The Board has also remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various peripheral neuropathy disabilities due to insufficient evidence of current disability levels.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to confusion in the medical evidence and inconsistencies regarding the nature of the Veteran's conditions during active service. The issues include residuals of rheumatoid arthritis and polyarthralgia, a heart condition, and hypertension.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus type 2, finding that the conditions did not manifest during or within one year after service. The Veteran's father's exposure to Agent Orange is not considered in determining service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II (diabetes) is granted on a facts-found basis due to herbicide agent exposure during service.,The Veteran's hypertension is granted on a facts-found basis as it was caused by herbicide agent exposure during service.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection for hypertension is granted. The claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type 2 are also remanded.

The Board has determined that the development conducted does not comply with prior remands and additional VA medical opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The petition to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis is denied. The issues of hypertension, heart disability (secondary to hypertension), erectile dysfunction (secondary to hypertension), and gout are remanded.

The Board has found that the Veteran's hypertension is related to his military service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the claim and granting service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia has been reopened and granted. The claims for right knee disability, left knee disability, eye disability, hypertension, and heart disability remain denied.

An initial disability rating of 10 percent for hypertension is granted from June 26, 2017 to April 27, 2018. A higher rating than 10 percent is denied from April 27, 2018 onwards.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected hypertension is denied as his blood pressure readings have not consistently met the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus and petit mal seizures are currently rated at the maximum available disability ratings. The Board has granted earlier effective dates for service connection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy left lower extremity, right lower extremity, and hypertension.

The Veteran's death was caused by end stage heart disease, which the Board finds may be related to his service-connected hypertension. The appeal is remanded for further development of records and consideration of exposure claims.

The Veteran's hypertension, which required continuous medication for control, was granted a noncompensable disability rating. The Board found that the evidence supported this rating based on the use of medication and elevated blood pressure readings.