Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during his active service or within one year of separation, and was not related to any period of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) or Inactive Duty for Training (INACDUTRA). As such, the claim for service connection for a heart condition, specifically hypertension, is denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, low back disorder, and associated upper and lower extremity radiculopathy are service-connected.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and neuropsychological disorder) is service-connected.,The Veteran's sleep disorder, fibromyalgia, multiple joint and muscle pain, hemorrhoids, recurrent headaches, cardiovascular disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory disorder, and left eye injury are not service-connected.

The Veteran's PTSD warrants a 70 percent rating, but no higher. The Board finds the Veteran entitled to at least a 70 percent rating for his PTSD.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's hypertension is etiologically related to his service-connected PTSD. As a result, the claim for service connection for hypertension secondary to PTSD is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing a personal assault letter. A VA examination will be conducted to determine the etiology of his acquired psychiatric disorders and hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines have been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, and there is no evidence to support a higher evaluation based on extra-schedular criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied for lung disorder, liver disorder, tendonitis, bilateral hearing loss, and diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction. The Veteran's PTSD claim was granted.

The Board found that new evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims for hepatitis C, acquired psychiatric disorder, eye condition, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, and degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder. The Veteran's claims were denied as there was no evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions regarding his hypertension, coronary artery disease, Barrett's metaplasia, and lung condition.

The Veteran seeks service connection for hypertension. The RO denied this claim, finding that the hypertension was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. However, the VA examiner's opinion did not address whether the hypertension is related to presumed in-service herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain an adequate VA examination and additional development regarding his claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, PTSD, and low back muscle strain, did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 11, 2009. The Board denied an earlier effective date for the TDIU rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated by service, including active duty and ADT. The claim for a bilateral knee disorder is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and further development is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, which was listed as cardiopulmonary arrest due to hypertension and diabetes mellitus, is attributable to his active duty service. The Board finds that hypertension began during service and contributed substantially or materially to the Veteran's cause of death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, and hypertension. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or exposure to Agent Orange that could establish presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's leg cramps are service-connected. The remaining claims for high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and back disability are being remanded.,High cholesterol is not a recognized disability for VA benefits purposes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not have onset in service or within one year of service and was not caused or permanently aggravated by his active military service, to include exposure to herbicide agents or his service connected anxiety disorder or diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a personal hearing at the local RO. The issues of service connection and TDIU are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to include obtaining medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions and their relationship to service.