Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for arrhythmia and hypertension due to incomplete development, including obtaining a 1980 EKG report and clarifying the character of service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension due to incomplete records and need for further development.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and heart condition as they were not shown to be related to the Veteran's active service. Service connection was also denied for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's hypertension claim is remanded due to uncertainty regarding his exposure to herbicide agents in the Republic of Vietnam.,For the period prior to March 13, 2021, an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied. From March 13, 2021 onwards, a 20 percent increased rating for bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension began during service and has continued since, meeting the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as presumptively associated with his presumed exposure to herbicide agents in the Vietnam War. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, ischemic heart disease, and bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, left knee osteoarthritis, and TDIU due to inappropriately assigned ratings and unresolved issues regarding service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus type 2, coronary artery disease, and hypertension due to their being intertwined with other pending claims. The Veteran also asserts that liver and kidney diseases are secondary to service-connected hepatitis C.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a bilateral foot disability, other than residuals of a broken left great toe. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's periods of service and duty status are unclear, necessitating a remand to clarify these details and obtain any missing service treatment records.

Service connection for hypertension is granted under the PACT Act, and service connection for atrial fibrillation is remanded due to lack of a medical opinion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, has been reopened. The Board finds new and material evidence to support the reopening of this claim. However, the claims for coronary artery disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to insufficient medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal with respect to PTSD, left ankle disability, and bilateral knee disability has been dismissed.,Service connection for tinnitus (reopened) and tension headaches have been granted. The case is remanded for further action on the remaining issues.

The Veteran's hypertension, presumed to be related to herbicide agent exposure during service, is granted for the period prior to August 10, 2022. For the entire period on appeal, a rating of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus is granted.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hypertension and a TDIU have been withdrawn. The appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and cannabis abuse disorder is being remanded due to the need for further VA psychiatric evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension and its relationship to service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hyperthyroidism, residuals of a right-hand injury, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, traumatic brain injury, left eye vision disorder, headaches, polycythemia vera, hypertension, and transient ischemic attack are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,The Veteran's claims will be further evaluated based on the results of these examinations.

The Veteran's hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension) resulted in continuous medication for control, warranting an initial 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's hypertension, end-stage kidney disease, PTSD, and diabetes mellitus, type II have been granted service connection. The appeal for a higher evaluation of atrial fibrillation was denied.

The Board has not found a connection between the Veteran's hypertension and his active service, including herbicide agent exposure. The case is being remanded for further examination to determine if there is sufficient evidence to establish a link.