Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for cutanea tarda, bilateral hearing loss disability, chloracne, heart murmur, hypertension, connective tissue disorder, vision disability in right eye, peripheral neuropathy, and Parkinson's disease. The claim for service connection for lupus erythematosus is also reopened.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and hypertension were denied as there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.,For the increased rating issues, the Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increase in ratings for his right knee disability, residual right knee status post ligament repair, and left knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disability, including hypertension and trileaflet aortic valve disability, as it found no evidence of such disabilities during or within one year after his military service. The Board also concluded that there was no link between the disabilities and herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not related to his service-connected acne vulgaris with residual scarring.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was not exposed to Agent Orange during his military service and therefore cannot establish presumptive service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, cardiac disabilities, or stroke. The claims are denied as direct service connection is not met.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension, which he asserts is either due to service or to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The case is REMANDED for additional development.

The Veteran's hypertension and low back disorder are found to be at least as likely as not related to service. The right ankle disorder appeal is withdrawn by the Veteran. Service connection for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities. The issues on appeal are whether he is entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for his left index finger injury, hypertension, and dehydration with rhabdomyolysis.

The Veteran has current diagnoses of hypertension and Bell's palsy. The Board found service connection for Bell's palsy, but the issue of service connection for hypertension remains in dispute.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been granted, with the exception of his claim for sleep apnea. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the fingers. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain his service personnel records, relevant treatment records, and VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the Veteran through his authorized representative.

The Veteran has been granted service connection for dysthymic disorder and hypertension, both of which are considered direct service connections.,There is no evidence of a current ingrown toenail disability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be etiologically related to his period of active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The issues regarding bilateral hearing loss, left hip disability, and hypertension are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating and also found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for a more contemporaneous VA examination to determine if it was caused by his in-service exposure to herbicide agents or due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. His PTSD and peripheral neuropathy are also being remanded for additional evaluations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Appellant's periods of active duty service and to determine if any hearing loss, tinnitus, headaches, sleep problem, or hypertension are related to such service. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and residuals of a cerebrovascular accident. This includes obtaining relevant medical records, particularly those prior to November 2010 when the Veteran had his stroke.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, respiratory disability (chronic bronchitis), peripheral neuropathy of the right shoulder, skin disability (eczema), fatty tumors, to include lipomas or soft tissue tumors, and vision or eye disability are all denied. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction claim is not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.