Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's TDIU and DEA benefits were granted effective November 3, 2021. The ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve were increased to 20% prior to February 24, 2023, and 40% thereafter. The Veteran's PTSD was denied a rating in excess of 70%, and his arthritis of thoracic spine and hypertension were both denied compensable ratings.

The Veteran's claim for total disability based on individual unemployability prior to November 27, 2017 is denied. The claim for special monthly compensation based on statutory housebound status prior to November 27, 2017 is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension and service connection for sleep apnea have been dismissed as the Veteran did not appeal these issues under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is also dismissed because it has already been granted at the maximum compensable level.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a failure to provide a VA examination, which could have determined whether there is a nexus between the Veteran's hypertension and coronary artery disease/heart condition and his military service.

An initial rating of 10 percent for hypertension is granted, but no higher.,Service connection for ischemic heart disease due to herbicide exposure during service is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a failure to provide proper notice of his right to a pre-decisional hearing before the AOJ.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection have been dismissed due to a procedural defect in the docketing of the claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was granted. The claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities, as well as erectile dysfunction, are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hypertension was denied as there were no blood pressure readings showing diastolic pressure of predominately 100 or more, or systolic pressure of predominately 160 or more; or as a minimum rating for an individual with a history of diastolic pressure of predominantly 100 or more who requires continuous medication for control.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for migraines prior to April 16, 2018 was granted and he is now rated at 30 percent effective February 1, 2018. The evidence showed prostrating attacks occurring more frequently than once per month.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches from February 1, 2018 was denied as the evidence did not show very frequent and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD prior to April 16, 2018 was denied. The evidence showed occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity but without deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension and a heart condition manifested by irregular heartbeat are granted, with the hypertension claim being granted under the PACT Act.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee conditions. Service connection for hypertension is also granted but requires further VA examination to determine its etiology.

The Veteran's OSA is granted, but his right hand arthritis, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, lumbar spine disorder, and other conditions are denied. The AOJ must obtain a proper examination for the issues not yet addressed.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to exposure to herbicide agents.,PTSD remains at a 70% rating, but the appeal for an increased rating is denied. The effective date of the PTSD rating is not changed from June 17, 2019.,The appeal for an earlier effective date for the PTSD rating is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected autoimmune disorder is rated at 100 percent disabling since June 24, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow gainful employment since April 20, 2022, and the Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU from this date.

The Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea and hypertension substantially contributed to his cause of death, acute myocardial infarction. The Board granted service connection for the cause of death.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted for the period from August 10, 2022, under the PACT Act. The issue of direct service connection prior to this date is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, fibromyalgia, left knee arthritis, right knee arthritis, left wrist arthritis, and right wrist arthritis due to inadequate VA examinations and a failure to consider the Veteran's service in the Persian Gulf. The claims will be reconsidered with consideration of the PACT Act.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, type II due to statutory duties under the PACT Act. The Veteran is presumed to have been exposed to burn pits and other toxins during his deployment in Kuwait.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension, including under the PACT Act or due to PTSD, has been dismissed as the Veteran's attorney withdrew the appeal.