Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2026

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected hypertension, finding that blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus due to inadequate VA examination opinions.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded due to a duty to assist error. A new VA examination is required to assess the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's right upper extremity disability is rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 8514, which corresponds to moderate incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's hypertension has been rated at 10 percent since December 28, 2023. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current blood pressure readings and historical readings prior to medication control.,Right lower extremity hemiparesis is rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 8521, corresponding to moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disability and hypertension as there are no longer any pending issues in controversy. The Veteran's combined disability rating is 100%, but his TDIU claim is moot due to the presence of other disabilities.

The Veteran's travel expenses for an audiology appointment on November 6, 2025 are approved as the treatment was for a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's hypertension is not manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more; or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more. Therefore, the Veteran does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted a 10 percent disability rating prior to August 7, 2024. The Veteran's hypertension and hypothyroidism are denied higher ratings since August 7, 2024. The Veteran's brain thrombosis with upper extremity muscle weakness and right lower extremity muscle weakness secondary to brain thrombosis are both denied higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for hypertension prior to January 27, 2026 is denied.,The Veteran's appeal of the March 2016 decision denying service connection for his penile condition is dismissed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and tinnitus. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service onset or relationship to service for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and pes planus, hypertension, maxillary sinusitis, tension headaches, and PTSD with adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood are all granted. The left ankle condition is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus is denied, as the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable criteria. The claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is also denied due to lack of evidence supporting a higher rating based on audiometric results. Service connection for hypertension and bilateral foot fungus are granted with effective dates from May 19, 2020, to August 9, 2022, respectively. The Veteran's claims for service connection regarding left knee pain (status post arthroscopy), right knee pain (status post arthroscopy), low back disability (degenerative arthritis of the spine), left shoulder pain, and right shoulder pain are all granted with effective dates from August 10, 2022. The Veteran's claims for service connection regarding left leg shooting pain and radiculopathy secondary to low back disability and right leg shooting pain and radiculopathy secondary to low back disability remain pending.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU effective May 25, 2019.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, and hypertension are all granted as service connected. The acquired psychiatric disorder is due to an in-service assault, the erectile dysfunction is secondary to this condition, and the hypertension is not related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions have been remanded due to the need for additional evidence. The Board is unable to make a determination on these issues as more information is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral hearing loss, neck strain, and hypertension need further development due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's incisional ventral hernia is rated at 40 percent from June 3, 2013 to February 13, 2020. An effective date of November 1, 2013 for TDIU and an effective date of June 3, 2013 for DEA under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 are granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests for an effective date prior to April 26, 2022, for entitlement to TDIU and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 due to a lack of evidence showing that the Veteran was unable to work due to service-connected disabilities before this date.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and chronic fatigue syndrome, finding that there is no persuasive evidence of these conditions during or close to the pendency of his claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a recurrent lumbosacral spine disability and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional verification of his National Guard service records.