Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's hypertension has been rated at 10 percent since February 2013, based on the need for continuous medication to control blood pressure. The Board found that his blood pressure readings have consistently been well under the threshold required for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service and is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service; or to service-connected Type II diabetes mellitus.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not have onset during service, was not caused by his active service, and was not related to exposure to herbicides during active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease in service or within one year following separation from service. The Board also found insufficient medical evidence to establish a link between current hearing loss and military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease or arthritis, is service-connected. The claim for hypertension was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the issues of an increased rating for diabetes mellitus, service connection for hypertension, and earlier effective date for TBI have all been resolved to his satisfaction.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain relevant medical records and for examinations by appropriate examiners regarding the nature and etiology of any hypertension, sleep apnea, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy present at any point after the Veteran's August 2007 claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for hypertension. However, the Veteran does not have a current disability related to military service or any period of active duty.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding the issue of service connection for hypertension. As a result, the appeal is dismissed without prejudice.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral pes planus, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, asbestosis, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current hypertension is related to service, and has remanded the case for this purpose.

The Veteran's cause of death was listed as pneumonia, due to or as a consequence of congestive heart failure and other conditions. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service or the Vietnam era exposure to herbicides.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for TDIU and basic eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claim for service connection for hypertension can be adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is related to his service-connected PTSD or coronary artery disease and whether it was caused by Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran withdrew all issues on appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diabetes, heart disability, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, diabetic retinopathy, and loss of kidney are granted due to his presumed exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of tinnitus, as well as current severity of his service-connected hypertension and right foot disabilities.