Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy with hypertension have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection and increased ratings for various disabilities, including knee, shoulder, hip, and psychiatric conditions. The Veteran's claims are being referred back for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic coronary artery disease is granted as it was presumed to be caused by herbicide exposure. The issues of hypertension, kidney disability, erectile dysfunction, and bilateral upper and lower extremity neurological disabilities are remanded due to the need for further evaluation.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a back disability, but denied all other claims.,PTSD was previously denied and is not being reconsidered.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service.,His neck muscle change was not linked to service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for thyroid condition, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease have been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as his PTSD claim, were granted. The initial rating for PTSD was denied, but the Veteran received a higher rating of 50 percent effective March 23, 2011. The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent since July 10, 2017.

Service connection is granted for headaches, PTSD, and low back strain. Other issues are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and hypertension are denied.,Service connection for PTSD is granted with a rating of at least 50 percent prior to January 15, 2018, but the issue is remanded for further development regarding an evaluation in excess of 50 percent beginning January 15, 2018.

The Board has determined that there is insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's causes of death and has ordered a remand to obtain an opinion from a VA clinician.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II is found to be the primary cause of his hypertension. The Board has granted service connection for hypertension on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted a compensable initial rating of 10% for the period from April 19, 2010 through July 9, 2010.,The Veteran's hypertension prior to April 19, 2010 and after July 9, 2010 is denied a compensable initial rating.,The Veteran's major depression disorder is denied an increased rating in excess of 70%.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for tinnitus, varicose veins, hypertension, a right foot disorder, sleep apnea, and left foot disorders other than hallux valgus/bunionectomy residual due to new evidence submitted since the July 2012 decision. The Board found that these conditions are either unsubstantiated or not related to service.

The Board has denied service connection for a nasal disorder, deviated septum. The Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, right leg disorder, bilateral hearing loss, sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, and skin cancer are remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient rationale provided by the August 2015 VA examiner regarding the etiology of various conditions, including right foot/ankle and left foot disorders, sleep apnea, hypertension, edema, kidney disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The issues are inextricably intertwined and require further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension has not met the criteria for a compensable rating as per VA disability evaluation guidelines. The Board denied the claim because the Veteran's blood pressure readings have never consistently reached or exceeded the thresholds required for a 10% or higher rating under DC 7101.

The case is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, sleep disorder, hypertension, and TDIU claim. The AOJ must ensure that these issues are addressed appropriately.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that hepatitis C did not have its onset during service and was not incurred as a result of service.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 50 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision.