Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has not met the criteria for a compensable rating during the appeal period, as his blood pressure readings have not consistently been at or above the levels required for a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for hypertension and a 10% evaluation based on multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities is denied. The Veteran's hypertension requires continuous medication but does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic code. The appeal regarding the 10% evaluation based on multiple, noncompensable service-connected disabilities is dismissed as the benefit has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and sleep apnea due to duty-to-assist errors. The issues are being remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding whether her service-connected lower extremity neuropathy caused or aggravated her obesity, which may be an intermediate step between her service-connected disabilities and her current conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and grade I diastolic dysfunction effective April 18, 2021. The conditions are found to have manifested at least as of that date.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for impaired diastolic dysfunction with diastolic hypertension is granted. The claims for skin disability, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), right-sided carpal tunnel syndrome, and left-sided carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for hemorrhoids with pruritus ani and a rating of at least 10 percent for hypertension have been denied. The claim for TDIU beginning on April 26, 2021 has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing due to his current combined rating of 60 percent, which does not include any permanent and total disability that precludes locomotion without assistive devices or loss of use of both upper or lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension, finding that these conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes was denied. The effective date for the award of service connection for hypertension on a presumptive basis due to Gulf War exposure is set at August 10, 2022. A disability rating of 10 percent for hypertension is granted.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent for the period beginning February 14, 2023. The evidence does not show that his blood pressure readings meet the criteria for a higher rating during either period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the claims for a respiratory condition, lumbar spine condition, and hypertension due to potential errors in the initial decision process. The Veteran's service records do not show any complaints or diagnoses related to these conditions during his military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and hypertension due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted due to herbicide agent exposure under the PACT Act. The issue of service connection for hypertension on a basis other than pursuant to the PACT Act is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic kidney disease and hypertension due to potential exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran's kidney disability is found to be secondary to his hypertension, which may be related to toxic risk activity exposures (TERAs), including Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's service connection claims for myelodysplastic syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, Barrett's esophagus, and hypertension have been granted. The grant of service connection is based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his Vietnam service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current hypertension and his military service.

Service connection for hypertension on a direct basis is granted.,For the initial rating period from May 13, 2021, a higher initial disability rating of 10 percent, but no higher, for the service-connected hypertension is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic kidney disease and multiple neuropathies, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since June 27, 2023.

The Board has denied all service connection claims for various hip, knee, and back conditions as well as hypertension. The Veteran's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of evidence showing a current disability during or immediately prior to the appeal period.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for the disability rating of hypertension, and the Board has dismissed the appeal.