Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus, type II are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions. The Board will seek additional opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions in light of the Veteran's military exposure to burn pits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of COPD and hypertension have been denied.,The reduction in the rating for bilateral hearing loss from 30% to 50% has been granted.

The Board denied service connection for COPD, emphysema, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and sleep apnea (OSA) as the evidence did not support a causal relationship to the Veteran's military service or in-service exposures.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA as secondary to service-connected hypertension with renal insufficiency, based on the opinion of a non-VA clinician who linked the Veteran's conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was not properly adjudicated and is dismissed as a result of an administrative error.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a compensable rating for service-connected hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, which is required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for hypertension (HTN) as secondary to service-connected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The AOJ made a decision based on an inadequate VA medical opinion regarding secondary service connection. The Board finds that there is a need for correction due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board has determined that there are errors in the VA medical opinions provided and remanded the cases for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for eligibility under the PCAFC program due to a lack of proper notice and an inadequate medical opinion. The AOJ must provide complete notice as required by law, including identification of findings favorable to the claimant and elements not satisfied leading to the denial.

The Veteran's hypertension was not manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or a history of such pressures requiring continuous medication. As a result, the claim for an initial compensable disability rating for hypertension is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis is related to his military service.

The Veteran's Bechet's syndrome, excluding memory loss, is granted a 100% evaluation. The Veteran's hypertension is granted a 10% evaluation prior to September 2, 2025 and a 20% evaluation from September 2, 2025 to September 13, 2025. A higher evaluation of over 20% for hypertension after September 13, 2025 is denied. SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is granted. The effective date prior to August 10, 2022 for service connection of hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is presumed to be due to in-service herbicide exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted under the PACT Act.

The Board has granted service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease (CAD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not caused by his conceded toxic exposure during service.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further examination and medical opinion to determine if it is related to service or any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability evaluation for hypertension was denied as his blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension and GERD secondary to service-connected conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is not rated as compensable, as his diastolic pressure has never been predominantly 100 or more and systolic pressures have only occasionally reached 160 or more.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding earlier effective dates for various evaluations due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.