Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 0 percent, effective August 10, 2022. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more and continuous medication required.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected hypertension, effective November 1, 2022. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected allergic rhinitis has been denied.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was also denied.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left foot disorder, GERD, and hypertension. The erectile dysfunction claim is inextricably intertwined with the other issues.,A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran currently has a left foot disorder, GERD, and hypertension. A medical opinion is also required regarding whether any of these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of his service-connected dry eye syndrome is granted, with a 20 percent evaluation. The claims for bilateral pinguecula of the eyes and hypertension are denied. Service connection for PTSD, alopecia or thinning hair secondary to PTSD, ED secondary to PTSD or hypertension, dry mouth syndrome secondary to OSA, GERD, and recurring body rash are all denied.

The Board denied a compensable rating for service-connected hypertension, finding that the Veteran's blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and a right shoulder condition due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to obtain VA examinations. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, lumbar strain, left wrist condition, and right hand tendinopathy due to insufficient evidence in some cases.

The Veteran's urinary incontinence and urgency are found to be related to his service-connected lumbar DDD, IVDS, and spinal stenosis. Service connection is granted for right and left foot conditions and hypertension on a secondary basis. The rating for lumbosacral strain remains at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received for the claims of service connection for prostate cancer, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. As a result, these claims are being remanded to allow for further review.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss and entitlement to a compensable evaluation for right ear hearing loss due to insufficient competent medical evidence on file regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's son, J., was found to be permanently incapable of self-support prior to his 18th birthday due to severe autism and seizure disorder. The Board granted the Veteran's request for recognition as a helpless child.

The Board denied service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Left Knee Disorder, Left Shoulder Disorder, Right Shoulder Disorder, and Hypertension as there is no credible evidence of a current disability or link to active duty service.,There was insufficient medical evidence to support the Veteran's claims regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to July 26, 2018 is being remanded due to insufficient evidence meeting the criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) and because there is reasonable possibility that he was unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and potential issues with the medical opinions provided. The claims are being returned to the Regional Office for further action.

The Veteran's knee disabilities require regular assistance in accomplishing routine activities of daily living, leading to the grant of SMC at the aid and attendance rate. The issue of entitlement to SMC based on housebound status is moot.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension did not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating during the increased rating period on appeal, as there was no history of diastolic blood pressure predominantly 100 mm. or more.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 0 percent for hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors in not obtaining opinions on whether his current disabilities are related to his service-connected right knee disability, and for a comprehensive mental health examination.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and hypertension were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes, as there was no greater than 50-percent obstruction of the nasal passage or diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more in the case of hypertension.