Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to November 14, 2007 for hypertension service connection and a separate noncompensable rating for low back scar are granted. The claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension is denied. The claim for a higher rating for low back disability is remanded. The claim for a compensable rating for left lower extremity neuropathy affecting the internal saphenous nerve is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines and hypertension is granted. The claim for sleep apnea is denied.

The Board denied service connection for headaches and granted a 10 percent rating for hypertension, effective December 22, 2016.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is service-connected.,His hypertension, which was also service-connected, is considered secondary to his PTSD and sleep apnea. His chronic kidney disease, which is also service-connected, is considered secondary to his hypertension.

Service connection for hypertension is granted.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity is denied.,Effective dates for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities (right and left) are denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and congestive heart failure are remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding exposure to burn pits during service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension, and the Board has dismissed this issue.

The Veteran's hypertension requires medication to control, but his blood pressure readings do not consistently meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board has granted a 10 percent rating.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's hypertension, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, upper extremity disability (chronic joint pain, DDD, DJD), lumbar spine disability (lumbosacral strain), plantar fasciitis, sciatica, and insomnia have not been found to be service-connected.,There is no evidence of current disabilities related to the Veteran's claimed conditions during or recent to the pendency of his claims.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for transverse myelitis, a heart disorder (claimed as heart failure takotsubo), and hypertension due to potential errors in the duty to assist.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective January 21, 2020. The Board denied an earlier effective date.,The Veteran was granted eligibility for DEA benefits effective January 21, 2020. The Board denied an earlier effective date.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection on all listed conditions due to his death.

The Veteran's hypertension has not manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, and while he requires continuous medication for control of his symptoms, there is no history of diastolic blood pressure elevation predominantly to 100 or more. Therefore, the initial noncompensable rating assigned to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension is appropriate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment due to his education and occupational experience.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension may be related to her active service, but further examination and medical opinion are needed to make a determination.

The Veteran's hypertension was found to be uncontrolled during a VA examination on December 19, 2022. The AOJ did not obtain the emergency room records from that day and must do so for the claim of a compensable initial rating for hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records, particularly those from Community Care providers and non-VA providers received by the VA but not associated with the claims file.

The Board has granted readjudication of the previously denied claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder, hypertension, and a thyroid condition due to new and relevant evidence. The appeal is dismissed for the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.,The appeals for hypertension and thyroid conditions are remanded as there was a failure to comply with the duty-to-assist.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected hypertension and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors, specifically obtaining missing VA treatment records and private medical records.