Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Baptist Medical Center Hospital from September 25 - 29, 2009 were denied as the emergency treatment was not considered to be of such nature that a prudent layperson could have reasonably expected delay in seeking immediate medical attention would be hazardous to life or health.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The appeal is related to presumptive exposure to herbicides, which may affect his diabetes claim.

The Veteran's hypertension has not met the criteria for a compensable rating, and his right Achilles tendon repair does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The Veteran's hypertension, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and PTSD claims will be reviewed again with additional examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left hip degenerative arthritis, status post total left knee replacement, right knee arthritis, hypertension, and left knee internal derangement, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background. The Board grants Total Disability Rating due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Board found that the Veteran's cause of death was not related to his service-connected disabilities, and denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for the withdrawal of his claims regarding hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and the reopening of his claim for coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's representative has withdrawn the appeal regarding lung cancer, hypertension, and headaches.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to in-service combat noise exposure, and service connection for this condition is granted. The remaining claims are remanded for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal for an initial compensable rating for hypertension. The claim of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis is denied as there are no questions of fact or law remaining before the Board.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims for hypertension, erectile dysfunction, chloracne, bilateral cataracts, hyperlipidemia, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities have all been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA audiological examination and issuance of an SOC regarding the issues of service connection and reopening claims.

The Veteran's death was caused by atherosclerotic heart disease, which is not service-connected. The Board finds no persuasive medical evidence linking the Veteran's fatal conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension and plantar fasciitis have been rated appropriately, with no need for higher ratings at this time.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and the Veteran choosing a representative. The hearing request is pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, including whether it is secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder or in-service herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination if necessary. The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, prostate cancer, and colon cancer are pending.

The Board has remanded the claim for further development and readjudication due to a Joint Motion for Remand (JMR). The Veteran's hypertension is being evaluated in light of his service exposure, but there is no evidence linking it to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable disability rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule. The evidence does not show diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more requiring continuous medication for control.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection. The Board has remanded the issues of sleep apnea and hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy for additional development.