Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board found that hypertension did not pre-exist service and was not shown to have manifested within one year of discharge. The Veteran's in-service blood pressure readings were noted but did not meet the criteria for hypertension, and there is no evidence showing a diagnosis or treatment for hypertension during service.

The Veteran's death was caused by a probable myocardial infarction, with underlying causes including hypertension and alcohol liver cirrhosis. The cause of the seizures is unclear, but they are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hypertension is a result of his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam, and thus service connection for hypertension is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a renal disability and hypertension. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a renal disability was granted in January 2015, resolving this issue.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back disability, hypertension, and jungle rot of bilateral feet were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's hypertension was not manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or a history of such requiring continuous medication for control prior to September 28, 2015. From September 28, 2015 forward, the Veteran's hypertension was manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more and systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more, warranting a 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as noncompensable, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on the requirement of continuous medication.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's hypertension.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease with infarction did not result in any episodes of acute congestive heart failure, or a workload of greater than 3 METs but not greater than 5 METs. His left ventricular dysfunction had an ejection fraction over 50 percent.,The Veteran's hypertension is manifest by diastolic pressure predominantly above 100 and systolic pressure predominantly above 160, meeting the criteria for a 10% rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining inactive Naval Reserve records and providing a VA examination to address the Veteran's hypertension and heart disease claims.

The Board has granted service connection for right leg sciatica, but denied service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus. The claims of service connection for hypertension, stroke (residuals), and heart disorder are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were withdrawn prior to the Board's decision. The diabetes mellitus rating remains at 40 percent, and hypertension is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as his blood pressure readings do not consistently show diastolic pressure of predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure of 160 or more, or require continuous medication.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spines, arthralgia of the right knee, peripheral artery disease, and hypertension have all been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim to reopen the hypertension was not successful, while the other issues remained unresolved.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as PTSD and depression, is related to his military service. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is related to his military service. As such, the criteria for service connection are met.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and GERD have been denied. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is pending as the issue has not yet been adjudicated. The Veteran was granted a noncompensable disability rating for GERD prior to May 23, 2008, but no higher.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for type 2 diabetes mellitus and a TDIU. The Veteran was found not to meet the criteria for higher ratings or TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a cervical spine disability was reopened, and service connection is granted. Service connection for migraine headaches and PTSD are also granted with an increased rating of 70 percent for PTSD. The Veteran meets the criteria for total unemployability due to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO. The issues of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and hypertension, are pending.