Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2026

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a combined effects VA opinion on the impact of his service-connected disabilities since January 12, 2024. The AOJ should obtain this opinion and consider all conditions in determining whether he can secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further development due to duty-to-assist errors, including failing to consider alternative theories of entitlement and the potential impact of occupational hazards (TERA).

The Board has granted the readjudication of claims for service connection for hypertension and cerebral arteriosclerosis, finding that new evidence submitted after the October 2024 rating decision is relevant. However, it denied both claims as there was no relationship between the current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, hypothyroidism, and hypertension are granted as service-connected due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his military service in Korea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied, while the claim for hypertension is being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for service-connected hypertension is dismissed. The Board grants service connection for a skin condition and erectile dysfunction, both related to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding his service connection for the cause of death and related conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during active duty in Korea. The conditions are considered presumptively related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypertension and stage III esophageal adenocarcinoma has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, left lower extremity nerve disability, cervical spine disability, and right hip disability are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors and the need to consider potential toxic exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's COPD, emphysema, neck disability (claimed as neck spinal arthritis), thoracic compression fractures, liver condition (claimed as cirrhosis), skin cancer, shortness of breath, pulmonary embolisms, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, hypertension, and glaucoma are remanded for further evaluation due to exposure to herbicide agents at Fort McLellan.

The Board has determined that the cause of the Veteran's death is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding his service connection for the cause of death and related conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension on a basis other than the presumptions established by the PACT Act due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for arterioslerotic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, chloracne, dermatitis, folliculitis, actinic keratosis, and dyshydrosis have been granted.,Service connection is established for the Veteran's arterioslerotic heart disease to include status post coronary artery bypass graft from July 25, 2011. The hypertension, diabetes mellitus type II, and chloracne claims are also granted under presumptive service connection due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including type II diabetes mellitus, prostate cancer, and various types of neuropathy. The Court found that VA did not provide adequate reasons and bases for its decisions regarding these claims.

The Board denied service connection for congestive heart failure from non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with chronic atrial fibrillation, but granted service connection for hypertension on an accrued basis.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple conditions has been dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis, left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis, hypertension, constipation, and bilateral hypertensive retinopathy. The Veteran's skin condition is considered part of the service connection for fungal onychomycosis, tinea pedis and hyperkeratosis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of predominantly high blood pressure in service or within a year of discharge. The Veteran's lay statements were not considered sufficient to establish a nexus between her service and eventual diagnosis of hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to errors in duty to assist, including failing to reschedule examinations and not considering certain medical evidence. The claims are being returned to the AOJ for further action.