Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's hypertension has been granted a 10% rating, effective from the date of the decision.,Both his right and left upper limb unspecified mononeuropathies have been granted a 10% rating, effective from the date of the decision.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 20% rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran is denied a higher rating for this condition.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 20% rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran is denied a higher rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's atrial fibrillation was caused by his service-connected hypertension, and thus grants service connection for atrial fibrillation on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to coronary artery disease and/or hypertension is remanded due to the inadequacy of the March 2023 VA examiner's opinion. The Veteran also submitted evidence suggesting a possible association between hypertension and OSA, which was not adequately addressed by the examiner.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, CAD, and hypertension are granted service connection based on the PACT Act presumption of exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity edema, specifically whether it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by her service-connected hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's representative requested an opinion on whether his hypertension is related to herbicide exposure and whether it was aggravated by his diabetes.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and prostate cancer/residuals thereof due to exposure at Camp Lejeune, as new evidence was added to the file and additional examinations are needed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for heart disability, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and sleep apnea due to lack of documented treatment during service and inconclusive medical opinions.

The Veteran's hypertension did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as per VA regulations, and therefore, his claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected autoimmune disorder to include rheumatoid arthritis has resulted in the need for aid and attendance of another, as evidenced by his inability to perform daily activities independently due to joint pain, swelling, and weakness. He requires assistance with bathing, grooming, and keeping himself clean and presentable.

The Veteran's kidney disorder, including nephropathy with hypertension, was found not to meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation.,Erectile dysfunction was also found not to warrant a separate compensable rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lower back disability, radiculopathies, and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment since July 28, 2022. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for high cholesterol, bilateral eye disability, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, right upper extremity neuropathy, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus have all been denied. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities related to these conditions.,There is no persuasive medical evidence linking the Veteran's claimed conditions to his active-duty service.

The Veteran's hypertension, which requires continuous medication for control, does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating as per Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II; hypertension; ischemic cardiomyopathy, to include CAD and a pacemaker, status post quadruple bypass; left and right lower extremity PAD; and CKD. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has required continuous management by medication, but the most recent blood pressure readings have not been predominantly 100 or more in diastolic pressure or 160 or more in systolic pressure. Therefore, a compensable disability rating for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as presumptively due to herbicide exposure. The issue of TDIU is dismissed as moot due to the combined 100% schedular rating for service-connected disabilities. Sleep apnea remains remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinions regarding the Veteran's cause of death and service connection for dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

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

The Veteran's hypertension, which is service-connected under the PACT Act, has not met the criteria for a compensable rating (higher than 0 percent) due to his blood pressure readings never showing diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more.