Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the $69,480.00 check sent to the Veteran in April 2009 was issued in error after his death and needs to be returned. The appellant is seeking accrued benefits for this amount but needs to provide proof of where the funds were routed after they were reclaimed from the bank.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis, hypertension, and dermatitis (formerly called folliculitis of the scalp) have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for left knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension were denied as they are not related to service. The Board found no evidence of in-service injury or exposure that could support a finding of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension with cardiomyopathy was denied as there was no earlier informal or formal claim. The appeal of the recoupment of special separation benefit (SSB) in the amount of $73,383.98 is dismissed.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus was denied, with the Board finding that the disability did not meet or approximate criteria warranting a higher than 20 percent rating prior to December 17, 2015 and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.,A compensable rating (10%) was granted for headaches associated with hypertension. The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for MDD and PTSD from August 11, 2009 until February 23, 2012 was granted, with a maximum of 50 percent.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for MDD and PTSD from February 23, 2012 to April 17, 2017 was granted at the maximum schedular rating (70%), based on occupational and social impairment due to deficiencies in most areas.

The Veteran was denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ASHD, ED, OSA, and MDD. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service exposure to herbicide agents.,Service connection for Parkinson's disease was also remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset during active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including DM2, heart disorder, hypertension, blindness, stroke residuals, and an acquired mental disorder other than PTSD, were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claims. The Board found that there is no credible evidence of active service in Vietnam or any other period of war.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral shin splints, right ear hearing loss disability, lumbar spine disability, hypertension, and headache due to potential errors in the previous VA examinations. The Veteran's current conditions are being reviewed with a focus on their onset during service or their relationship to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been granted. The claims for service connection for other conditions have not been reopened.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, myelopathy, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to inadequate VA opinions in previous determinations.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, gastric adenocarcinoma (stomach cancer), and hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left and right hip disabilities, hearing loss, PTSD, left knee disability, right knee disability, left leg disability, right leg disability, left foot disability, and right foot disability. The Veteran's appeals are also remanded for development in relation to his service connection for respiratory disorders and hypertension.

The claims for service connection of PTSD, hypertension, and low back disability have been reopened. The claims for hemorrhoids and head injury remain denied.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an increased rating for his service-connected hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records. The issue of Parkinson's disease will be addressed in a separate decision.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder, but remanded the claims for hypertension and lumbar spine disability (scoliosis) due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of increased rating for PTSD, service connection for migraines, and service connection for hypertension due to incomplete responses in the December 2017 DBQ report and lack of clear and unmistakable evidence regarding pre-existing conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and left knee condition due to lack of current diagnosis, but remanded the issues for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for a bilateral foot condition, sleep apnea, hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, sinus condition, and PTSD due to incomplete development of records and need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left elbow disability, bilateral hearing loss, bronchitis, tinnitus, hypertension, hemorrhoids, and GERD. The decision also remanded the claim for service connection for bronchitis due to asbestos exposure.