Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2024

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining relevant VA medical treatment records and an adequate medical opinion. The Veteran's hypertension is being reviewed again for a new examination and opinion.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for essential hypertension was denied as the evidence did not show diastolic pressure readings predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure readings predominantly 200 or more.,Service connection for left lower extremity cellulitis was also denied because there is no current diagnosis of chronic left lower extremity cellulitis.

The Veteran's hypertension was evaluated, but it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as his blood pressure readings were below the threshold required by Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Board has identified errors in the VA's duty to assist and has ordered remand for additional examinations and opinions on service connection claims for heart condition, hypertension, PTSD, and sleep apnea.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of hypertension, left side sciatica, right side sciatica, and vertigo as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The appellant withdrew all pending appeals regarding the ratings and service connection for various conditions, including major depressive disorder with anxious mood, asthma, allergic rhinitis, left ankle sprain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right hip osteoarthrosis, right knee osteoarthrosis, hypertension, fatigue, migraine, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted a 10% rating from November 10, 2023 to February 7, 2024. From February 8, 2024 onwards, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and prostate cancer are being remanded due to pre-decisional errors in VA's duty to assist. The AOJ is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's exposure as an automotive mechanic.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him so helpless as to need regular aid and attendance of another, nor are they severe enough to result in permanent bedridden status.

The Veteran's hypertension was denied a higher disability rating as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left lower extremity peripheral artery disease and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, result in the loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has granted eligibility for specially adapted housing due to these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension began in service or is otherwise related to service, including elevated blood pressure readings in May 1975. The other claims of service connection are denied.

The Veteran's hypertension, which requires continuous medication for control, is granted a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability rating for right ear hearing loss and service connection for hypertension due to insufficient discussion of functional effects and lack of adequate evidence regarding exposure to herbicide agents. The Veteran will need a VA examination to clarify his symptoms, and an opinion from Dr. T. on the nature and likely cause of his hypertension.

The Veteran is granted effective dates of October 10, 2019 for service connection of his ICH residuals associated with hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for dental scars, HTN, right arm burn scar, and loss of teeth are all remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's hypertension and tinnitus claims are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, particularly medical records from a VA clinic in Illinois. The tinnitus claim is also being remanded because of inadequate opinions provided by VA audiologists.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further examination and opinion due to a failure to obtain specific information about his participation in toxic exposure risk activities (TERAs) during service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, leaving no issues for the Board to consider.