Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disorders, DMII/kidney disorder, and hypertension as there was no evidence of these conditions in service or within the first year after separation from active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims for lumbar spine disability, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), hypertension, right toe injury, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to determine the appellant's periods of service.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD and a TDIU prior to August 25, 2022 was denied due to the severity, frequency, and duration of his PTSD symptoms not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and stroke residuals as these conditions are not related to the Veteran's military service or proximately caused by her service-connected PTSD with depression.,The Board found that obesity was a factor in the development of these conditions but did not find it directly related to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA opinions. The Veteran's cardiovascular disorder and left shoulder disorder are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of hypertension due to herbicide exposure is denied. The Veteran also has a claim for a compensable rating for his hypertension, which is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected hypertension is denied as the evidence does not show diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II are granted as service-connected due to in-service herbicide exposure.,Service connection for kidney stones is granted with a rating of 10 percent.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as a result of the PACT Act, due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for service-connected hypertension was denied.,Service connection for skin cancer and PTSD were also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment since October 2020. The Board has granted a TDIU as of July 25, 2023.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to support the claims of service connection for CAD, high blood pressure, DM, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and scars. The claims are being remanded due to concerns about herbicide exposure near the Korean DMZ.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for hypertension and has remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The reasons for the denial include that the Veteran's blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 7101.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hip condition as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability and hypertension. The evidence shows that the Veteran's right hip osteoarthritis developed due to his service-connected right knee disability, and he also has a current diagnosis of hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and relevant evidence received since his last rating decision, including testimony from a recent hearing. The claims for bowel disorder, fertility disorder, headache disorder, hypertension, hypothyroidism, bilateral hip disability, and vision disorder are all denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain was denied. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hip disorder, hypertension, and lung disorder were granted. The claims for service connection for these conditions are remanded due to the need for additional development regarding exposure history.

The Veteran's claim for additional retroactive VA disability compensation benefits under the Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payment (CRDP) program is remanded due to insufficient information from the retired pay center and DFAS records. The AOJ must provide a detailed review of the Veteran's compensation award, specifically for the period prior to April 1, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and the cause of the Veteran's death as they were not shown to be related to military service.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims of service connection for various conditions, including back condition, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, right ankle condition, ganglion cyst, GI condition, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeals are granted to this extent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus and hypertension due to insufficient medical opinions provided by a private clinician. The VA will need to provide an addendum opinion addressing whether the service-connected PTSD or OSA caused or aggravated the Veteran's hypertension and diabetes.