Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension. The Board has dismissed this appeal.

The Veteran's hypertension was evaluated based on the criteria for hypertensive vascular disease (hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension). The Board found that his diastolic pressure did not predominantly reach or exceed 100, nor did his systolic pressure predominantly reach or exceed 160. Therefore, a compensable disability rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear intentions regarding the issues of special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or being housebound, and a total disability rating for a single disability and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for hypertension, and there is no evidence of an in-service event or injury related to this condition. The VA examiner found no direct relationship between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his claimed conditions.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for anemia, atrial fibrillation/bradycardia, and hypertension that are secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and/or coronary artery disease. The Board has ordered a new VA opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy, COPD and hypertension are presumed to be related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange. The claims for service connection are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of an injury to the index and middle fingers of the right hand is denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability in service or within one year thereafter, and the weight of clinical evidence does not support a link between his current condition and service.,The Veteran's claim for hypertension is denied as there was no diagnosis of hypertension during service or within one year after discharge, and the weight of clinical evidence does not support a link between his current condition and service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and he is entitled to separate compensable ratings for hypertension and diabetic kidney disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obesity, including fluctuating weight, and hypertension as secondary to PTSD have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's coronary artery disease is related to service, resolving all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD is chronically aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for GERD. The issue of hypertension remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated by service, and there is no evidence of a chronic disease during service. The Board finds that the current diagnosis of hypertension does not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange).

The Board denied service connection for the claimed disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of in-service herbicide exposure or other service-connected conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of service connection for a head injury, lymphomas/lymph node enlargement, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia/high cholesterol, dermatitis, hypertension, and bronchitis.

The Board has reopened the claims for sleep apnea and hypertension, but service connection is not granted as the examiner did not address whether PTSD aggravates sleep apnea. The claim for an enlarged heart remains moot due to the grant of service connection for coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a new VA opinion on the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating as his blood pressure readings have consistently been below the threshold for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension and bilateral hearing loss, as well as to schedule an appropriate VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional information regarding his exposure to herbicides and to determine the relationship between his claimed conditions and service.