Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's hypertension, which required continuous medication for control prior to July 7, 2021, is granted a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for sleep apnea, autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis), asthma, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded due to a failure to provide a VA examination regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of hypertension due to a duty-to-assist error and the need for an addendum medical opinion regarding potential exposure to toxic environmental risks (TERA) during his military service, particularly related to the USS Forrestal fire in July 1967.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the Veteran's claims of sinus bradycardia and sick sinus syndrome, hypertension, and kidney cancer. The case is being remanded to provide a VA examination and obtain medical opinions regarding these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, but the claims for atrial fibrillation, venous stasis or varicose veins, and sleep apnea are remanded due to pre-decisional failures of the duty to assist.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of Individual Exposure Record (ILER) for Agent Orange and Camp Lejeune exposure, which is necessary to determine if service connection can be granted on a direct basis. The Veteran's hypertension claim will now include obtaining an ILER and providing a VA addendum medical opinion.

The Veteran's hypertension did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as his blood pressure readings were consistently below the threshold required for a 10% rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, hypertension, hemorrhoids, residuals of a fracture of the left wrist, iliotibial strain of the right knee with degenerative joint disease, Graves' disease and irritable bowel syndrome and gastroenteritis have been granted increased ratings. TDIU, SMC based on housebound criteria, and basic eligibility for DEA have also been granted effective as of May 23, 2017.

The Veteran is granted a 60 percent disability rating for hypertension with renal dysfunction from April 25, 2013.

Service connection is granted for hypertension and prostate cancer, both on a presumptive basis due to service in Vietnam. Service connection for PTSD is also granted.,The Veteran's bilateral foot disability is remanded as the current opinion does not address overuse syndrome. The claim for service connection for an eye disability secondary to hypertension is also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete information regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and TERA exposure. The Veteran will need further examination and opinion on his hypertension, as well as identification of specific TERA exposure events.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and arteriosclerotic heart disease with atrial fibrillation due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents during service. Additional development is needed, including verification of in-service herbicide agent exposure and an addendum medical opinion on the relationship between the conditions and service.

The Veteran's sinus headaches were granted service connection, but denied a compensable rating.,The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection and increased to a 10% rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II are being remanded due to a pre-decisional error in the VA medical opinions provided. Additional opinions are needed to determine if these conditions are related to his service-connected psychiatric disability, left knee disabilities, or symptoms from either.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and for mitral valve prolapse and hypertension as aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension as new and relevant evidence had not been received since the May 2022 rating decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and high blood pressure have been denied. The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for a right leg condition, right wrist condition, and lumbosacral strain.,The VA examination scheduled for the Veteran will address his right leg condition.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, finding that his hypertension was aggravated by his PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance on February 20, 2020. However, due to insufficient evidence regarding whether his asthma and hypertension were caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities, the claims are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board finds pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors in the claims for left foot condition, lower back, migraines, and hypertension. The Veteran's service treatment records show potential exposure to toxic substances during deployment but no TERA examination has been conducted.