Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination and opinion regarding service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's hypertension is being evaluated in relation to his service-connected bilateral knee DJD, but the examiner did not address whether the Veteran's above normal blood pressure readings were related to his service or if they were aggravated by his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's hypertension and bladder cancer were denied increased ratings, while the claims for service connection of chronic kidney disease and COPD are remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding his hypertension and sleep apnea as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased rating of migraines and service connection for hypertension and malaise due to untimeliness. The appeal for service connection for sinusitis was denied as there is no current diagnosis, while the appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was granted as it began during active duty.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied prior to August 24, 2023, as he did not meet the schedular requirements for a total disability evaluation based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied a rating greater than 20 percent for hypertension, finding that the evidence did not show diastolic pressure predominantly 120 or more.

The Veteran's hypertension, requiring continuous medication for control and with systolic pressure exceeding 160, warrants a 10 percent rating but not more.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, finding that the current condition is not related to in-service hypertension and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Board has remanded the claims of an earlier effective date for a rating for lupus erythematous, hypertension, left varicocele and bilateral incomplete atrophy of testis, entitlement to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ, and service connection for anemia due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, throat cancer with dysphagia, diabetic retinopathy, hypothyroidism, left upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies, and diabetes have been remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.,Additionally, the Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to April 14, 2021, and earlier effective date for Basic eligibility to Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA) benefits are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to chemicals, specifically DDT, during service. The claim will be further developed and a VA medical opinion will be obtained to determine if any of the claimed disabilities are related to chemical exposure in service.

The Board has remanded the claim for hypertension due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination to determine if any diagnosed headache condition is related to service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension and depressive disorder are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors, specifically the failure to obtain relevant service records and private treatment records.

Service connection for Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB) is granted. The remaining claims of increased ratings and service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and tension headaches have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Veteran's cause of death was not related to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board denied entitlement to service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for hypertension due to an inadequate VA examination opinion. The Veteran's STRs show multiple instances of elevated blood pressure readings during his active duty, but the examiner did not provide a clear explanation on whether these were related to current hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease, sleep apnea, and hypertension secondary to service-connected PTSD due to inadequate medical opinions regarding causation or aggravation.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disorder and denied service connection for hypertension. The decision also denies TDIU based on the Veteran's employment status.