Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2025

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of service connection for hypertension and CAD, granted a 10 percent evaluation for hypertension, and remanded several other claims.

The Board denied service connection for epilepsy, bilateral detached retina (previously rated as blurred vision), cervical spine condition, and migraine headaches. However, it granted service connection for hypertension and earlier effective dates for lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and PTSD.

The appeal for service connection for hypertension was dismissed due to a claims processing error. The appeals for service connection for bilateral shoulder disability and back disability were denied, while the appeal for sleep disorder was remanded.

The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, which was determined to be related to hypertension presumed due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, anemia, and eye disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board granted a separate initial rating of 10 percent for hypertension (as a complication of diabetes) effective November 17, 2023, and denied ratings in excess of the current levels for diabetes mellitus with retinopathy and gastroparesis, neuropathy of the left foot, and entitlement to a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The claims for service connection and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are remanded due to the failure of the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) to ensure delivery of the November 2022 supplemental statement of the case to the Appellant.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and other benefits, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional compensation.

The Board granted service connection for sinusitis and denied a compensable rating for hypertension. The claims for service connection for a psychiatric condition, pre-cancerous growths cysts in upper gum and nasal cavity, obstructive sleep apnea, and muscle weakness were remanded.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic sinusitis, an increased rating for hypertension, a compensable evaluation for allergic rhinitis, and increased ratings for sleep apnea syndrome and seasonal dyshidrotic eczema.

The Board granted effective dates of May 31, 2023, for the awards of a 10 percent disability rating for rhinitis and a 50 percent disability rating for migraines. The award of service connection for urinary incontinence was denied an earlier effective date.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension, finding it to be secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, gastrointestinal cancer, hypertension, and prostate cancer to correct a duty to assist error related to verifying herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance is granted, as he requires regular assistance with dressing, keeping himself clean and presentable, and attending to his bodily needs due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board granted an effective date of June 26, 2014, for the grant of service connection for hypertension based on presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for atrial fibrillation, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension as additional evidence has been submitted that requires further development of the record.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, an increased rating for a stroke and stroke residuals, and an increased rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

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

The Board denied service connection for anxiety, fatigue, neurobehavioral effects (including mood), unspecified depressive disorder, hypertension, migraines, and degenerative disc disease. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss was also denied a compensable rating.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for hypertension due to an inadequate TERA opinion.