Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to December 4, 2015, for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea and a compensable evaluation for hypertension are denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for obstructive sleep apnea is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6847.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, right upper extremity diabetic neuropathy (all radicular groups), left upper extremity diabetic neuropathy (all radicular groups), right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy (sciatic nerve), and left lower extremity diabetic neuropathy (sciatic nerve) is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 8513, 8513, 8520, or 8520.

The Veteran's hypertension is not rated as compensable due to blood pressure readings consistently below the required thresholds for a 10% or higher rating.

The Veteran's hypertension, which has required continuous medication for control of diastolic pressure at or above 100, is granted a rating of 10 percent throughout the appeal period.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to warrant readjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertensive heart disease and hypertension. The claims are being remanded due to a lack of a VA examination or medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is granted with a rating of 10 percent, effective August 10, 2022. The Board found that the evidence showed systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, meeting the criteria for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated at 10 percent since the appeal period began, and this rating is granted.

The Veteran's prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's hypertension, gout (bilateral heel), heart conditions, renal cell carcinoma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded for further review.

The Board has restored service connection for a headache disorder and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) effective June 1, 2021 as the original decision was not based on clear and unmistakable error.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected hypertension is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ failed to reschedule the Veteran's VA examination, which was scheduled because he was out of the country.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to readjudicate the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for further development.,Service connection for sleep apnea is denied as there is no evidence showing a relationship between the condition and military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for TDIU, right and left upper/lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and back disorder are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. Additional evidence is needed from SSA and VA medical opinions/examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's obesity, which is an intermediate step between his service-connected right ankle disability and hypertension, was caused by his service-connected condition.

The Board has denied service connection for neck disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, erectile dysfunction (ED), and hypertension as these conditions are not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board dismissed the appeal for entitlement to an increased rating for hypertension prior to April 7, 2021 and a rating in excess of 10 percent from August 30, 2019 to April 7, 2021.

The Veteran's hypertension did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as his blood pressure readings were consistently below the thresholds required for higher ratings. The Board denied an increased rating for hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, hypertension, and insomnia are denied. The claim of service connection for bilateral tinnitus is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding causation and aggravation, as well as a toxic exposure risk activity examination.

The Board has granted a higher initial disability rating of 10 percent for the service-connected hypertension, effective from August 10, 2022. The decision is based on the Veteran's continuous use of medication and elevated diastolic blood pressure readings.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable rating for hypertension is granted, with the effective date being August 10, 2022.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, alcohol and stimulant disorder, bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and left ear scar as the evidence did not support these claims.