Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD and a 30 percent rating for bilateral calcified pleural plaques, while denying increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension. A TDIU was also granted from September 21, 2023.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy effective September 29, 2023, but denied an increased rating for tinnitus and other issues.

The reduction in the rating of the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II from 20 percent to 10 percent effective April 26, 2024 is improper and is void ab initio; therefore, the petition to reverse the reduction and restore the 20 percent rating effective January 31, 2023 is granted. The Veteran's earlier effective date for service connection of hypertension prior to August 10, 2022 is denied.

The Board remands the case for a new VA examination to address whether the Veteran has hypertension and, if so, whether it is related to service.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and an acquired psychiatric disability, while dismissing the appeal for obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran was also granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board remands the issue of entitlement to service connection for cause of death, on a basis other than pursuant to the PACT Act, due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for hypertension and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea, a low back disability, and hypertension as the evidence did not show these conditions were related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for unspecified depressive disorder and granted special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance. The claim for service connection for hypertension was remanded.

The Board granted service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as it is related to and/or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected asbestosis.

The Board remands the Veteran's claims for service connection to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors and to obtain TERA opinions.

The Board granted service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, type II, and hypertension due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The claims for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities and erectile dysfunction were denied.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for hypertension as it was unrelated to any in-service injury or disease and did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Board remands the case for additional development, specifically to obtain a medical opinion from a Cardiology Specialist regarding whether medications prescribed by VA caused or aggravated the Veteran's hypertension or heart condition.

The Board granted service connection for left ear hearing loss but denied it for right ear hearing loss and hypertension.

The appeals for service connection for hypertension and a left leg condition have been dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension as there was no persuasive evidence linking the condition to an in-service event, injury or disease.

The Board denied an initial compensable rating for hypertension as the Veteran's blood pressure readings were predominantly below the systolic and diastolic pressure readings contemplated by a compensable rating.

The Board granted service connection for hypertension, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition underwent a permanent increase in severity during his active duty service.

The Veteran is granted an earlier effective date of August 10, 2022, for the award of service connection for hypertension. The claim for a compensable rating and entitlement to service connection for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are denied.