Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's high blood pressure began during his second period of active duty and continues to this day.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development, including obtaining private treatment records and providing a VA medical opinion regarding service connection for hypertension.

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

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for valvular disease was denied, and the Board has remanded this issue.,Prior to November 29, 2016, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. However, from that date onwards, he is entitled to TDIU due to his inability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for a new examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for coronary artery disease and hypertension, specifically focusing on the period of active duty special work from September 2001 to September 2002.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, sinusitis, heart condition, mini-stroke, IBS, erectile dysfunction, and keloid of the chest. The appeals are not about service connection but rather to revise a previous rating decision.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, tinnitus, a back condition as secondary to PTSD, diabetes as secondary to PTSD, right upper and lower extremity neuropathy, headaches, and a sleep condition. The issues of entitlement to service connection for these conditions are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied as there is no evidence of hypertension in service or within one year of separation. The Board found that the Veteran did not have a current disability and that his contentions were not credible.,The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for hepatitis C was also denied as there is no evidence showing that he received VA blood transfusion in December 2001, or that the transfusion caused his hepatitis C.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations of service-connected insomnia, right foot heel spur, left foot heel spur, and hypertension have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for emphysema and COPD (claimed as a respiratory condition) has been denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to his military service.,Service connection for a headache disability is also denied, with no evidence showing that headaches were incurred during or related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, both secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The Board requested a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to service or specifically to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran’s left arm disability and left ankle disability are both remanded for additional examinations to comply with VA examination requirements.,The Veteran’s chronic lumbar strain disability is also remanded for an examination to determine the extent of functional loss during flare-ups.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus is remanded as the Veteran claims he was diagnosed in service. Further documentation of his service at Camp Lejeune is needed.,Service connection for liver spots and rectal cancer residuals are both remanded due to potential exposure to contaminants at Camp Lejeune.,reasoning

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for diabetes mellitus type II prior to August 29, 2016 and thereafter, and an initial compensable rating for hypertension. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and denied an earlier effective date for diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and hypertension due to potential issues with the VA examinations conducted. The Veteran is presumed exposed to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam, which may affect the outcome of these claims.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for hypertension has been reopened, but the issue remains remanded due to insufficient evidence on whether his hypertension was caused or aggravated by diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's eye disability and erectile dysfunction claims are both remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the hypertension claim.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, bilateral lower extremity nerve disorder, and atrial fibrillation due to potential herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's dates of service need to be confirmed, and he needs to provide private treatment records if available.

The Veteran's death in January 2015 was not related to service, and therefore his claim for service connection for the cause of his death is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension. The case is being remanded to consider a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied as he is not in need of such assistance due to his disabilities, which do not meet the criteria for SMP.