Hypertension (high blood pressure) decisions — 2026

The Board has decided that service connection should be granted for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, but the decision is remanded due to a failure to obtain SSA records.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service. The claimant is also awarded an initial rating of 30 percent for tension headaches.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, as his income is below the poverty threshold.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for hypertension is denied as his blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for any higher rating under DC 7101.

The Veteran's OSA and hypertension claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions addressing causation, aggravation, and exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and hypertension have been granted service connection, with a 20 percent rating for the hearing loss. Service connection has also been granted for hypertension. However, diabetes mellitus was not found to be present during the appeal period.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for hypertension, as it was a freestanding claim and not properly before the Board.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or being permanently bedridden due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he did not meet the criteria under sections (1), (2), or (3) of 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l). The Board concluded that the Veteran was not permanently bedridden or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the initial compensable disability ratings for hypertension and lower abdominal scar are denied. The claim for an initial compensable rating for kidney transplant with chronic kidney disease is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for diabetic nephropathy has been granted, with a 30% rating effective from the date of decision.,The Veteran's hypertension has also been granted an initial 10% rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and the earlier effective date for DEA benefits is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no current disabilities of chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, or hearing loss, and the evidence did not support a finding that CAD, atrial fibrillation, stroke residuals, or hypertension had their clinical onset during active service.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, diabetes as secondary to degenerative disc disease, hypertension as secondary to degenerative disc disease, and sleep apnea as secondary to degenerative disc disease. The left ankle disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, temporomandibular joint syndrome with bruxism (TMJ), and cervical myofascial pain. The remand requires an updated VA examination to address the Veteran's scholarly material and the effects of medications on his enlarged prostate.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion and insufficient evidence regarding service connection for hypertension as secondary to sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Hypertension, and Fibromyalgia due to duty-to-assist errors. Additional medical opinions are needed to address secondary service connection theories.

The Board restored the 30 percent disability rating for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with hypertension, effective October 1, 2020. The claim for an increased rating was denied as there is no evidence of chronic kidney disease with GFR from 15 to 29 for at least 3 consecutive months during the past 12 months.

The Veteran's hypertension required continuous medication for control but did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, GERD, Hypertension, and Erectile Dysfunction due to insufficient evidence regarding the claimed in-service stressor. The AOJ is instructed to attempt verification of the Veteran's reported stressor involving a motor vehicle collision resulting in a soldier's death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The issues of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and heart condition are remanded due to insufficient evidence.