Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the claims of hypertension, hypothyroidism, and parkinsonism due to potential exposure to toxins during service. A VA examination is needed for each condition.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected hypertension, finding that his condition met the criteria despite being on continuous medication.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, erectile dysfunction, hepatic disease, hypertension, kidney disease, low testosterone, pulmonary embolism, sleep apnea, supraventricular tachycardia, and syncope to correct a duty to assist error in failing to obtain adequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for essential hypertension and service connection for ocular hypertension are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ is instructed to obtain clarification from the October 2021 examiner regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and ocular hypertension.

The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and allergic rhinitis, based on presumptive service connection for exposure to fine particulate matter during the Persian Gulf War. Service connection for allergic rhinitis was denied on a direct basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment, as he is capable of at least sedentary work.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and higher ratings for hypertension and tinnitus, as there was no evidence of service connection prior to November 1, 2021, and the maximum schedular ratings were already in effect.

The Board has granted service connection for type II diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension. The Veteran's congestive heart failure is also found to be related to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, degenerative arthritis of the feet, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, diabetes, gout, and hypertension due to potential exposure to hazardous noise, chemicals, or other substances during service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, high cholesterol, memory loss, anosmia, and vision disorder as his appeal was not timely filed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a skin condition (squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) are remanded due to new evidence received, including exposure to herbicide agents during service. VA examinations are required to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, but the cases of left knee disability, right knee disability, left hand disability, and left foot disability are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete records, including missing private medical records and relevant VA treatment notes. The Board requires additional evidence before making a decision on the merits of his claims.

The Veteran's death was caused by ischemic heart disease, which is a recognized presumptive disease for exposure to herbicide agents. However, the appellant did not have any pending claims at the time of the Veteran's death and thus is not eligible for accrued benefits.

The Board denied service connection for sinusitis due to burn pit exposure and remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension as secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding service connection for cause of death and dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 USC 1151.

The Veteran's service connection for hypertension is granted. The initial rating for diabetes was increased to 40 percent effective July 1, 2021, and the earlier effective date claim for TDIU is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hypertension due to potential exposure to toxic substances during military service. The VA is required to obtain medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's participation in TERA.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a boil on his buttocks, an increased rating for CAD, and compensable ratings for his groin scars. The Board found no current diagnosis or symptoms related to these conditions.,For hypertension, the highest systolic rating was 161, and the highest diastolic rating was 104.