Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for valvular heart disease, peripheral vascular disease of the right and left legs, and hypertension were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his active duty in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, ischemic heart disease, right lower extremity peripheral artery disease, left lower extremity peripheral artery disease, and hypertension as the evidence did not establish an in-service event or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that the evidence did not support a direct relationship to service or toxic exposure. The Veteran's claims were based on his participation in TERA activities during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on the merits are being remanded due to new evidence and development needs. The maximum disability rating for tinnitus has already been assigned.

The Board has found that the Veteran meets the basic medical eligibility criteria for PCAFC benefits due to his need for personal care services based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury. However, further clinical evaluation is needed to determine if participation in the program is in the Veteran's best interest.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back disorder, high blood pressure, and type II diabetes mellitus due to errors in development of the claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, a bilateral foot disability, and an initial compensable rating for hypertension.,There is no current diagnosis related to the Veteran's bilateral shoulders or feet. The VA examiner found that any current bilateral foot disability was less likely than not incurred in service.

The Veteran's hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, COPD, emphysema, hypertension, and a stroke. The VA examiner found these conditions less likely than not related to his in-service toxic exposure risk activities (TERA).,The Board finds the VA examination opinions inadequate due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's potential exposures during active-duty service.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and stroke as there was no evidence of herbicide agent exposure during service and the medical opinions were against a nexus to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, toenail fungus, and bronchitis with pneumonia has been denied. The Board found no current disability of hypertension at the time of filing or during the appeal period.,For toenail fungus, the Board noted that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis in the record.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error regarding hypertension and asthma. The Veteran's hypertension is claimed as secondary to his service-connected asthma, but the VA examiners did not address whether the hypertension was aggravated by the asthma.

The Veteran's vascular headaches are granted effective August 22, 2011. A TDIU is granted effective February 11, 2015. SMC based on housebound criteria is denied prior to July 14, 2020.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension was dismissed because the claim was filed too late after a previous denial and did not use the correct form.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of stroke, finding that these residuals are secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has found a pre-decisional duty to assist error and has ordered the case back to the AOJ for proper notice regarding the Veteran's right to a hearing.

The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer, coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes mellitus type II (DM II), hypertension, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected DM II. The Veteran's exposure to Agent Orange during active service is presumed.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is granted with an effective date of July 25, 2023.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is dismissed as it does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.