Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board denied an initial compensable evaluation for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of hypertension, including consideration of herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his reported tumor of the neck, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied. The claim for hypertension was also addressed but no rating assigned as it is pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further evidentiary development and readjudication. The appellant is entitled to a statement of the case on these issues.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated as 70 percent since February 29, 2012. He is also entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for hypertension and a right leg disorder have not been established.

The Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease, PTSD, tinnitus, and hypertension qualify him for special monthly compensation based on housebound status under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(s).

The Veteran is granted an effective date of March 12, 2012 for a compensable rating (10%) for hypertension. The issue was not about service connection but rather the timing of when this increased rating should have been applied.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be caused by his service-connected PTSD.,Glaucoma is not found to be proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. However, it is as likely as not that glaucoma was caused by his service-connected hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and right knee degenerative joint disease were not incurred or aggravated by his military service. The claim for hypertension was denied as there is no evidence of a diagnosis within one year post-service, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a link between current disability and service. For the right knee issue, the Board found that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a decision on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations for his psychiatric disorder and right foot condition.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran withdrew his claims of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension prior to the Board's decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not contribute to his death and there was no evidence of herbicide exposure. Therefore, service connection for cause of death was denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is related to service, including presumed in-service exposure to herbicides. The relationship with PTSD and diabetes mellitus will also be addressed.

The Veteran's hypertension and right ear hearing loss were not incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied. Right ear hearing loss was not shown to be continuous since service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. Mancini and updated VA treatment records.

The Board has ordered the VA to obtain missing treatment records and SSA records, as well as attempt to determine the basis for the Veteran's Social Security Disability award. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a VA examination to assess the etiology of his COPD and pulmonary hypertension disabilities. The examiner will need to consider the Veteran's service exposure to hazardous materials and chemicals.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and irritable bowel syndrome were not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The evidence did not support a finding of direct causation.

The Board found that hypertension did not have its onset during active duty or ACDUTRA, and there was no evidence of aggravation beyond the natural progression. The Veteran's hypertension is considered to have existed prior to service.