Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating of PTSD was denied, and his claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating for PTSD, but concluded he is unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his low back disability, an earlier effective date for the increased rating, and initial ratings and effective dates for hypertension and headaches. The claims are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his reported exposure to chemicals during active duty, including herbicides. The appeals are pending and will be reconsidered.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for hypertension due to service-connected diabetes mellitus or herbicide exposure, as there are insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his hypertension.

The Board has remanded the cases for further clarification and evaluation, including a medical opinion on the etiology of hypertension and an examination to assess the Veteran's ability to function independently due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's migraine headache disability, major depressive disorder, and hypertension have been granted service connection.,Service connection for the acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder) is also established.

The Board denied service connection for right ankle disorder and hypertension as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury that could be linked to these conditions.

The appeals of the Veteran's claims have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran is granted TDIU from August 20, 2015 to February 7, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities. The appeal for prior dates was denied.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and etiology opinions are needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and skin condition of both lower legs, to include varicose veins. The remand is necessary due to inadequate examination reports and potential association with herbicide exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Onychomycosis, Hypertension as secondary to Type II Diabetes Mellitus, and Adjustment Disorder with Mixed Features. The effective dates are set based on the date of receipt of claims or the date entitlement arose. Headache disorder is also granted as secondary to Adjustment Disorder.

The Veteran's appeal concerning the issue of entitlement to service connection for a disorder manifested by blood in the urine has been dismissed. The right ankle sprain residuals are rated at 20 percent, and hypertension is granted with secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's hypertension and left arm axillary scarring with limitation of motion were not granted service connection or increased rating, respectively. The case is remanded for further examination to determine the severity of the left arm condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the lack of clear evidence regarding his exposure to herbicides and possible toxic chemicals on Okinawa. The full text of relevant reports must be obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened due to new evidence. Effective September 22, 2014, the Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus and PTSD.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection and special monthly compensation based on anatomical loss, finding that the Veteran did not have an intent to apply for disability benefits related to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or gout/arthritis prior to December 31, 2009.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and verifying his periods of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty Training (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including DM, esophageal condition, hypertension, LLE radiculopathy, RLE radiculopathy, lumbar DJD with IVDS, and sleep apnea, were all granted effective May 24, 2013. The Board found that there was no earlier claim received prior to the Veteran's most recent period of active service (March 2012 to May 2013).

The Veteran's claim of service connection for migraines has been reopened and granted. The claims for increased ratings for hypertension, degenerative arthritis of the spine, and plantar fasciitis are remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence and to obtain additional medical records. The issues include cervical spine disorder, back disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, sleep apnea, hypertension, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and right carpal tunnel syndrome.