Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

Service connection for hypertension is granted, presumed due to exposure to herbicide agents during service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus is denied as the evidence does not meet VA's definition of 'hearing impairment' for compensation purposes.,Service connection for brain lesion is denied as there is no reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim with the requisite degree of probability that it was caused by presumptive exposure to Agent Orange or otherwise related to service.,A rating of 100 percent (total disability due to individual unemployability) for PTSD is granted, based on total social and occupational impairment.

The Board has received additional VA treatment records since the November 2019 SSOC that are relevant to the issues on appeal. The Veteran's case is being remanded for AOJ initial review of this new evidence and issuance of an SSOC.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The issues include reopening claims for service connection for various conditions and seeking higher disability ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, UARS with sleep apnea, and hypertension secondary to sleep apnea. The Veteran's current conditions are related to his active service.

The appeals of the denials of service connection for hypertension, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are dismissed. Service connection for chronic kidney disease is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, a heart condition (claimed as coronary artery disease), hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder to include major depressive disorder. The decision is mixed, with some issues being granted and others not. The appeal was remanded for additional development on the headache condition and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as the effective date cannot be earlier than September 25, 2017.,The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent and does not warrant a higher rating based on his blood pressure readings.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both upper extremities (right and left) are each rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's diabetic peripheral neuropathy in both lower extremities (right and left) are each rated at 10 percent.,PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 9434.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension. The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for verification of exposure to hazardous materials and radiation during his military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for folliculitis and hypertension are denied. The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent rating for hypertension prior to February 20, 2020 and denied a higher rating thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, hypertension, and lower back disability due to inadequate VA examinations and lack of supporting medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 4, 2010 for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance (SMC(l)) due to lack of evidence indicating loss of use of both feet or lower extremities prior to that date.

Service connection for asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is granted. Service connection for a bilateral heel/ankle disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension (HTN) are remanded.

The Veteran's shortness of breath is granted service connection, while gastrointestinal disability (IBS), fibromyalgia, and hypertension are denied. The decision on these issues is based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for CAD with atrial fibrillation and hypertension, as these issues have been granted in a prior decision.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for gastrointestinal disorder (lower abdominal pain and tenderness) is now granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development to address whether the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected psychiatric condition or obstructive sleep apnea, and to determine the current severity of his lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was reopened and granted, as new evidence related to the left groin injury has been submitted.,Service connection for adjustment disorder with depressed mood was also granted, attributed to the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a left groin (thigh) injury.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of hypertension which is granted on a presumptive basis under the PACT Act. An effective date of October 15, 2017 has been assigned for the TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension based on the PACT Act, but has remanded the issues of service connection for Parkinson's disease and its secondary hand and leg cramps.