Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's death was caused by cardio respiratory arrest, with underlying causes of congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease. The appellant contends that the Veteran's hypertension, which is service-connected, contributed to his death. The Board finds further development is needed to determine if the service-connected general anxiety disorder (a principal or contributory cause) had its onset during service or is otherwise related to it.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to verify the Appellant's periods of Active Duty Training (ACDUTRA) and obtain outstanding records, including service treatment records from his National Guard and Reserve service. The claim will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for hypertension, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary due to the need for clarification regarding the diagnosis of hypertension and an addendum opinion addressing the relationship between PTSD and hypertension.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and hypertension, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's period of active service.

The Veteran's burn scars are rated at 10 percent, and his migraine headaches have been increased to 30 percent. The Board denied service connection for the remaining conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The Veteran's other claims for service connection have not been substantiated.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, a heart disorder, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.,All three conditions are now considered service connected due to their association with PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and procedural issues, including a need for a new hypertension service connection evaluation and a statement of the case on lentigo maligna.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, to include as secondary to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange), is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the relationship between his current condition and military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right foot first digit disability, an initial compensable rating for hypertension, and an initial compensable rating for a scar on the anterior chest. The evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The Veteran's hypertension was found to be aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II with diabetic nephropathy. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss. However, further development is needed to obtain potentially relevant service treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a supplemental opinion regarding the etiology of his hypertension and an additional comprehensive examination to determine the current severity of his diabetes mellitus.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to consider the combined effects of the appellant's service-connected disabilities on his employability, as well as to obtain additional relevant VA medical records and conduct a VA social and industrial survey.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability decisions. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity to respond to this supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, prostate hypertrophy, hypertension, and a back disability were denied. The claims for increased ratings for depression and onychomycosis of both hands, as well as TDIU prior to February 6, 2012, are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding herbicide exposure and service connection for hypertension. The Veteran's claim will be further developed before being reconsidered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was reopened and granted. Service connection is also established for left shoulder arthritis, right shoulder arthritis, headaches, PTSD with cognitive disorder, and TBI. The Veteran's hearing loss and hypertension are not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting information regarding the Veteran's alleged exposure in Vietnam and requests for additional evidence. The issue of service connection for diabetes mellitus and associated complications is on appeal.