Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of hypertension or mandibular bone loss, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected due to lack of in-service onset or continuity, and the Board finds that it is less likely than not related to his service-connected diabetes or PTSD. The Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for hypertension and left shoulder deltoid atrophy with degenerative arthritis and axillary nerve palsy was denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension, as his diastolic pressure has never been predominantly 110 or more. For the left shoulder condition, he is not entitled to a rating in excess of 30 percent under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for ischemic heart disease was denied. The Board also found that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection for hypertension as secondary to exposure to herbicide agents during service and his service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for an examination regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and Agent Orange exposure, as well as a clarification on whether diabetes mellitus aggravates his erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals of the claims for entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability, a left knee disability, a lower back disability, a sleep disorder, hypertension, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, acid reflux disease, a left ankle disability, a right ankle disability, PTSD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates were denied as the evidence did not show he was unemployable due to service-connected disabilities prior to April 8, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a scheduling issue for a videoconference hearing at the RO. The primary issue remains unresolved regarding service connection for hypertension secondary to atrioventricular block status post pacemaker implant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that it neither began during nor was otherwise caused by his military service and that it was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine disorder with upper extremity radiculopathy and hypertension have been granted, effective from June 11, 2009, for hypertension, and May 16, 2016, for the cervical spine disorder.

The Veteran's heart disability, hypertension, and diabetes were not shown to be related to service or due to herbicide exposure. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities aggravated his claimed hypertension, back disorder, and bilateral hip disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and is not related to his service-connected PTSD. As a result, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus denying his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran has withdrawn the appeal for both issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for hypertension, and thus the claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and private medical records. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and a low back disability. The disorders were not noted on entrance or separation examinations, did not manifest within one year of service separation, and are not related to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension based on the evidence of record.