Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli with pulmonary hypertension are related to his in-service left ankle injury, which resulted from a combination of trauma and genetic hypercoagulability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's educational pursuits are reasonably feasible, particularly in light of his successful completion of course work preparation and given the market for clergy in Virginia. The Veteran's vocational goal is to become a pastor, which he has already started pursuing with his own funds.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied as there is no evidence of its onset during or within one year after his military service. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a direct service connection due to lack of in-service diagnosis and post-service medical records showing onset of hypertension. Service connection on a secondary basis was also denied because there was no competent evidence linking the hypertension to his service-connected PTSD or herbicide exposure. For PTSD, the Veteran's claim for an increased rating from 30% to over 70% was granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides or as secondary to his diabetes.

The Veteran's heart disability, specifically coronary artery disease with angina and hypertension, is currently rated at 30 percent. The hypertension has been separately rated as non-compensable prior to May 2, 2012, but a separate 10 percent rating is granted from that date.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeals for the claims remanded by the July 2012 decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, small vessel disease, and multiple eye disabilities due to presumed exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and service personnel records.

The Board has granted service connection for athlete's foot, which represents a full grant of the benefit sought.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his active military service.,Service connection was also granted for bipolar disorder with depression. The Board found that hypertension is not related to the Veteran's service or any other condition.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for various conditions, a rating for irritable bowel syndrome, and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary examinations and development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for type II diabetes mellitus, thyroid condition, hypertension, and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities were denied as there is no evidence of herbicide exposure during his service in Korea.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred or aggravated by his second period of active duty service and denied the claim.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for arthritis of the back and neck, but denied the claim for hypertension. The bilateral knee condition is considered secondary to residuals of right ankle fracture.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to appear for a scheduled Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling a new hearing.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for asthma and service connection for hypertension is being remanded due to inadequate development. The VA examiner should provide a new opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, considering his Norvasc prescription and blood pressure readings during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a recurrent skin rash, kidney disorder, and hypertension were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Vietnam and thus could not establish presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension and heart condition did not manifest during active service or within one year of separation, and are not related to his military service.