Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for an updated VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected hypertension and related symptoms, including shortness of breath and headaches. The Veteran contends that without medication, his blood pressure readings would be higher and that as a result of his hypertension, he has 'flare-ups' of headaches and shortness of breath.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disability and other disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, leading to a TDIU determination.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD with adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.,The Veteran's left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD with adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to service-connected PTSD with adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, and also as secondary to hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, but denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, finding that it is more likely than not related to the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hypertension and lumbar spine disability, finding that they do not meet the criteria for a compensable or higher rating under applicable VA regulations. The claim for TDIU was also denied as it is not related to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues related to service connection, including ischemic heart disease, hypertension, shoulder disability, prostate disability, residuals of right lower inguinal injury, eczema, bilateral foot fungus, ulcers, GERD, Parkinson's disease, and COPD.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be at least as likely as not due to in-service noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an error in the January 2017 VA examiner's opinion regarding the date of onset of hypertension. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his hypertension, including as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for macular degeneration, hypertension, right knee disability, left knee disability, and low back disability have been denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his hypertension disability was denied as he failed to report for a necessary VA examination without good cause shown.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is rated at the highest possible level of 40 percent, effective as of the date of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension, fibromyalgia, bilateral knee disability, hip disability, or bilateral arm disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be granted.

The Veteran's hypertension and renal dysfunction associated with it are granted initial ratings of 10% and 30%, respectively, effective June 7, 2011. Service connection for an anxiety disorder is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea, hypertension, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy are all service-connected as they were caused or chronically worsened by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's death was not proximately caused by VA treatment, and the appellant's DIC claim under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is denied.,The appellant's request for increased VA death pension benefits is denied as her income exceeds the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR).,There are no accrued benefits due to the appellant as there were no claims pending at the time of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective from November 2013. He also has service-connected hypertension and erectile dysfunction. The Board granted an initial increased disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100 percent since January 30, 2012. The effective date for this rating is set to that date.

The Veteran's anxiety and hypertension disorders are currently being considered for service connection, but the Board has determined that further development is needed to properly assess these claims.

The Veteran's hypertension is being reviewed for possible service connection, including as secondary to his service-connected ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, type II, or due to herbicide exposure. The Board has ordered additional examination and opinion regarding these theories.