Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the unavailability of the Veterans Law Judge who conducted his October 2013 Board hearing. He has been requested a new Board hearing held at his local VA RO.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, effective from July 31, 2007. Service connection for diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction has also been granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues related to service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension with renal impairment, congestive heart failure, and tinnitus are all found to be related to his service.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) due to the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being housebound is remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine if his service-connected conditions alone result in the need for such benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension is etiologically related to his service-connected PTSD, CAD, DM, and residuals of a right foot injury. The decision grants service connection for hypertension as secondary to these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension was not service-connected and is not secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or PTSD.,Tinea pedis and cellulitis of the right leg were not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence or aggravation.,Coronary artery disease resulted in a 10% rating from March 10, 2004. The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% rating effective July 14, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not service connected, as there is no verified diagnosis of hypertension in the record and the evidence does not support a finding of secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension with renal insufficiency, type II diabetes mellitus, right and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and erectile dysfunction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of 70 percent for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 50 percent since March 22, 2012. The Board has also granted TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn, and the Board has dismissed all related claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's skin condition.

The Veteran's hypertension is not manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more. Therefore, the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101 have not been met.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension clearly and unmistakably existed prior to his period of service, and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain his National Guard service records and VA treatment records, as well as a VA examination to determine the current severity of his left foot disorder and etiology of his hypertension and cardiac disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral eye disability, respiratory disability, and hypertension as there is no competent evidence establishing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, pneumonia, and hypertension have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities related to his in-service conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension were denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to lack of in-service diagnosis or exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for diverticulitis of the colon, finding that it began during a period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) in May 2007. The Veteran's hypertension and refractive error claims are remanded for additional development.