Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed due to his death, and the issues are not addressed as they have become moot.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is granted with a 10 percent rating, effective August 10, 2022.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted based on presumed exposure to an herbicide agent in Vietnam. His PTSD and ischemic heart disease are denied, with the issues of service connection for hypertension (non-presumptive) and other conditions remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is currently evaluated as noncompensable, and the evidence does not show readings with diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more. The Board finds that it has no alternative but to deny the claim for increased rating.

The Veteran's sleep disorder, hypertension, back pain, and rhinitis are all found to have begun during active service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with an initial rating of 70 percent effective June 9, 2018. Other conditions are also granted.

The Veteran's right shoulder arthritis is granted service connection. Service connection for prostate cancer, hypertension, and esophageal cancer (claimed as esophagus - cancer/surgery) is denied due to lack of in-service disease or injury and no continuity of symptoms since service. Hyperlipidemia is not a compensable disability.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims can be adjudicated. The case must be remanded for development in accordance with special development procedures as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension pursuant to the PACT Act and for bilateral pes planus. Service connection for hypertension on a basis other than pursuant to the PACT Act is remanded due to duty to assist error.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right lower extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, and TDIU due to outstanding treatment records and the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, CAD, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, left knee disability, right knee disability, left foot disability, and right foot disability may be related to his military service. The Board also found that the Veteran's neck arthritis may be related to his military service. Further development is needed to obtain all available service treatment records and VA medical records.

The Veteran's hypertension and headaches were denied service connection as they are not found to be secondary to his service-connected conditions.,An effective date earlier than July 25, 2016, for the grant of service connection for unspecified depressive disorder is also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, Parkinson's Disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, and diabetes mellitus due to incomplete VA treatment records and insufficient opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's condition requires continuous use of multiple anti-hypertensive medications for limited control.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected other specified depressive disorder; alcohol use disorder, mild.,The Veteran's tinnitus is granted based on in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as of June 1, 2017. Basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 is established effective as of June 1, 2017.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the statutory housebound rate effective April 1, 2020. The claim for SMC prior to December 31, 2019 was dismissed as moot.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The Board has remanded the remaining issues due to outstanding records and additional medical opinions are required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back condition, hypertension, and vision loss condition are not supported by the evidence of record. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the withholding of VA compensation benefits to recoup Separation Pay in the amount of $31,101.34 was proper and this appeal must be denied as a matter of law.