Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset during service or within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence linking it to his active service. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran's hypertension was less likely than not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a video conference with the appellant. The veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases are pending.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10% disability rating for service-connected hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of a factually ascertainable increase in the condition prior to April 12, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for Meniere's disease, hypertension, heart disease, and IBS were denied as there is no evidence of these conditions in service or related to service. The Veteran has a current diagnosis of a left ear scar with crusting.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was denied, and the claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities was also denied. The Board found that while the Veteran's service-connected conditions rendered him unable to work, they did not meet the criteria for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a Board video-conference hearing.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and a lung disability due to asbestos exposure. The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral eye disability and an enlarged prostate, presumed due to herbicide exposure, were remanded.,VA medical examinations found no evidence of chronic eye disabilities during service and the examiner concluded that current eye conditions are age-related or developmental errors.

The Board has determined that there is not sufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between the Veteran's current hypertension and her active service, including periods of National Guard service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hypertension is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the onset and etiology of his hypertension and dermatitis.

The Board has granted service connection for asbestosis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is due to in-service asbestos exposure. The issues of secondary service connection for a cardiac condition, brain disorder, and hypertension are addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hypertension or coronary artery disease with left ventricular hypertrophy that is attributable to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hypertension and thus, service connection for this condition is denied. Service connection for gout has also been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional service treatment records and VA treatment records, as well as to schedule the Veteran for a VA audiology and psychiatric examination. The claims will be re-adjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus are not related to his military service, as there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The low back disability is denied due to lack of medical nexus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to service and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's myocardial infarction, finding that it was at least partially attributable to his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional records from SSA and arrange further development.

The Board denied service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hypertension, as these conditions did not have their onset during active military service or within a year of discharge. The Veteran's OSA and hypertension were also not found to be permanently worsened by his service-connected left foot disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and erectile dysfunction, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II, service connection for periodontal disease and hypertension are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.