Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

The Board has found that remand is necessary due to inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's heart condition, hypertension, colon cancer, and scar tissue surgery. The AOJ must determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicide agents or toxic chemicals during service and obtain new medical opinions addressing the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and proper documentation of attempts to schedule the Veteran for these exams.

The Veteran's hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are granted as service connected under the PACT Act. The issue of service connection for hypertension prior to the PACT Act's effective date is remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to herbicide agent exposure in Thailand.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The effective date cannot be determined due to the PACT Act.

The Veteran's hypertension is not rated higher than non-compensable due to lack of diastolic or systolic pressure readings meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.,There is no current diagnosis of kidney disease, and the Veteran does not have any disability associated with his service.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted as of March 12, 2018. The effective date for the grant of service connection for hypertension was March 11, 2022.

The Veteran's hyperparathyroidism is granted as secondary to his service-connected chronic kidney disease. His hypertension is granted with a 10 percent initial rating from April 16, 2020.

The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, claimed as high blood pressure is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for loss of sensation, numbness, and weakness in the bilateral upper extremities is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic pain disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral flatfeet is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for GERD is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hemorrhoids is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a cervical spine disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a headache disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a sinus disability is granted.,The petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for an eye disability, claimed as dry eyes and allergies is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the condition started before 1999 and is related to active service.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure under the PACT Act, but other service connection claims are remanded.

The Veteran's spouse is appealing for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The issues of service connection for COPD, hypertension, OSA, and ASHD (CHF) are pending in another case docketed under Docket Number 190604-210513. The TDIU claim is remanded as the combined disability evaluation remains below the threshold for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and consideration. The Veteran's left shoulder condition requires a new examination to assess the severity of his flare-ups. His cervical spine condition must be evaluated in relation to his service-connected left shoulder condition. An addendum opinion is needed regarding the acquired psychiatric disorder, as well as an assessment of polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's cervical spine condition needs a new examination that addresses whether it is secondary to his service-connected left shoulder impingement syndrome. A new opinion on the acquired psychiatric disorder must be provided, considering the Veteran's contentions about insomnia, adjustment disorder, and depression.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder needs a new examination that addresses whether it is related to his service. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's kidney condition, claimed as kidney cancer, requires an addendum opinion addressing the relationship between his in-service stone removal and current issues. A new examination is needed for renal insufficiency and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding polyuria and hypertension.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder needs a new examination that addresses whether it occurred in service or is related to his service-connected conditions. A new opinion on polyuria and hypertension must also be provided.,The Board has remanded this issue for further development. An addendum opinion should be provided regarding the relationship between the Veteran's headaches and his service-connected shoulder condition, as well as whether it is caused by or aggravated by any other service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's hypertension, which began during his service in Thailand. The claim is reopened based on new evidence.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as related to noise exposure during service.,Service connection for hypertension is granted due to the PACT Act, effective from August 10, 2022. The claim for service connection on any other basis is remanded.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been denied as there is no current diagnosis of a psychiatric condition.,Service connection for hypertension due to exposure to herbicides in service has been granted. The effective date will be determined based on the PACT Act provisions.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension due to in-service herbicide agent exposure under the PACT Act. The claim for gout is remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine its etiology.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims can be adjudicated due to outstanding VA treatment records and potential TERA exposure. The claims for service connection are being remanded for additional examinations and medical opinions.