Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and a right hand disability, as well as the initial ratings for PTSD and lumbar spine disability. The Veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence presented.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension, and thus cannot establish service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and a VA examination. The case will be reviewed by the AOJ/AMC on the basis of the additional evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which has been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension and erectile dysfunction were not incurred or aggravated by service, including presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The evidence did not show a connection between these conditions and his diabetes mellitus.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete records and an unclear opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and his hypertension.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental VA psychiatric opinion to address whether hypertension is caused by or aggravated by service-connected PTSD, and if so, whether it is secondary to that condition.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to have been incurred during his active duty from July 2008 to October 2009. Service connection for insomnia is granted as it is secondary to service-connected PTSD and sleep apnea.

The Veteran is seeking to establish service connection for hypertension, which he contends is related to his diabetes mellitus or due to in-service herbicide exposure. The Board has determined that additional development is needed as the February 2015 VA examiner's opinion did not address whether hypertension was aggravated by service-connected diabetes mellitus and updated treatment records are required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, lung cancer, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities were denied due to lack of evidence supporting a nexus between these conditions and his military service. The appeal was not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C and related conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea was aggravated by his service-connected disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition. However, there is no evidence of hypertension during or contemporary to the appeal period, so service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and hypertension are related to his exposure to herbicides, specifically Agent Orange, during service in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a bilateral shoulder disability, thyroid disability, neck disability, or bilateral wrist and knee disabilities. The claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's claims for bladder cancer and hypertension were denied as they did not have their onset in active service, are not causally connected to active service, and neither is it due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left upper and lower hemiparesis due to cerebrovascular accident (CVA) associated with hypertension and renal insufficiency associated with hypertension, qualify for an increased level of SMC equivalent to the intermediate rate higher than 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114 subsection (m), but no higher.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete National Guard service records and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran's claims for lumbar disability and hypertension are pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining clarification on his service connection theory and exposure basis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.