Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the claims for COPD, hypertension, and sleep apnea as there are questions regarding the qualifications of the VA examiner who conducted the initial examinations. The Veteran's service connection claims will be reconsidered with new evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) and for obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the residuals of a stroke. The issues of hypertension, tinnitus, and the residuals of a stroke on a secondary basis are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent prior to July 13, 2019. The symptoms associated with this rating include irritability or outbursts of anger, suicidal ideation, near continuous panic or depression affecting the ability to function independently, appropriately and effectively; difficulty in adapting to stressful circumstances, including work or a worklike setting; and inability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's death. The appeals are not considered for merits as they have become moot.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the RO did not grant a compensable rating for migraines, despite the Veteran experiencing frequent and severe headaches. The highest schedular rating available (50%) was assigned.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further development to determine if it is related to service, including his exposure to herbicide agents. The VA examiner will also assess whether the condition manifested within one year of discharge or with continuity since service.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to hypertension, which is a new and material issue. The pension benefits application for 2013 was denied as the Appellant's income exceeded the maximum annual pension limit.

The Veteran's bilateral hip degenerative arthritis is granted service connection as a subsequent manifestation of his already service-connected sacroiliac joint arthritis. Service connection for hypertension and kidney disorder are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination and a need for further development, including obtaining additional medical evidence and providing an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected diabetes.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of hypertension, as it relates to Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were dismissed due to his death, as there is no pending appeal at the time of his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disability due to potential in-service exposure to herbicides, but the evidence does not support a finding that he served in Vietnam or Thailand. The AOJ is instructed to take additional steps to confirm this information and provide a new opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for heart disorder, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea due to incomplete service personnel records. The AOJ is required to obtain all relevant documents from the Veteran's period of service in the Air Force Reserve.

The Board denied service connection for erectile dysfunction, hypertension, myasthenia gravis, loss of nerve function, urinary disorder, prostate disorder, sores on the hands and feet, and right side edema as not being related to service or secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability, hypertension on secondary basis to plantar fasciitis, and bilateral eye disorder (including cataracts, glaucoma, nonexudative macular degeneration, dry eyes, and loss of peripheral vision).,There is no direct evidence linking the current disabilities to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease during service or within one year after separation. The VA examiner concluded that the hypertension is not related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death, concluding that there was no evidence linking the Veteran's death to any in-service event or condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of all relevant evidence and laws, including the Veteran's presumed exposure to herbicides during service. The appellant is requested to identify any healthcare providers who treated his father for hypertension prior to death, and VA treatment records are to be obtained.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected due to exposure to Agent Orange during his military service.