Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2025

The Board denied increased ratings for PTSD and hypertension, but remanded the claim for service connection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Board remands the claims for service connection and a higher rating due to inadequate medical evidence.

The Board granted the restoration of a 20 percent rating for radiculopathy in both lower extremities and an initial 20 percent rating for left ankle degenerative arthritis, while denying a compensable rating for right hallux valgus.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for obstructive sleep apnea, type II diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate, and hypertension. However, a 60 percent rating was granted for coronary artery disease effective May 24, 2023.

The Board remands the claim for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, including whether it is secondary to service-connected PTSD with major depressive disorder.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for hypertension to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension, as there was no evidence of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or a history thereof requiring continuous medication.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension, finding that it was treated during active service and the presumption of soundness applied.

The Board dismissed the appeal of proposals to sever service connection for ischemic heart disease, left forearm anterior scar, mid sternum scar, hypertension, and hypothyroidism due to a lack of justiciable case or controversy.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetes, high blood pressure, a skin rash, and neuropathy of both upper and lower extremities due to additional development needed to identify specific toxic exposures during the Veteran's service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension, as there was no evidence of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more.

The Board granted an effective date of July 20, 2023, for the grant of service connection for hypertension but denied a higher initial rating.

The Board denied the appeal, affirming the severance of service connection for various conditions due to clear and unmistakable errors in the prior decision.

The Board remands the claims for service connection and increased evaluation of various conditions due to a request for information regarding the competence of the VA examiners who provided expert medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including arteriosclerotic heart disease and PTSD, preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and neuropathy of the right and left upper and lower extremities as secondary to diabetes due to herbicide exposure during the Veteran's service in Okinawa.

The Board denied increased ratings for PTSD, headaches, left knee MCL strain with limitation of flexion, and left knee MCL strain with bracing post-surgery, but granted service connection for CFS, left leg RLS, and a 10 percent rating for scar, left lower extremity knee. The effective date for the 70 percent rating for PTSD and the 30 percent ratings for headaches, OSA, and scar, left lower extremity knee were also granted from April 26, 2013.

The Board granted a 10 percent initial rating for hypertension and denied higher ratings or service connection for the other conditions.

The Board granted the application to readjudicate the claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction based on new and relevant evidence.