Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The case is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing and issuance of statements of the case on service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's hypertension is related to service or caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The RO/AMC must also seek and obtain any relevant treatment records from private providers.

The Board found conflicting medical evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The VA examiner concluded that hypertension was not caused or aggravated by diabetes mellitus, as both conditions were diagnosed around the same time in 1997.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran and his representative are requested to provide additional information regarding their organizational assignments during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and erectile dysfunction due to exposure to an herbicide agent (Agent Orange) at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam is denied as there is no current diagnosis of arthritis. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision on the merits may be made, including obtaining VA treatment records and service treatment records. A VA examination for the Veteran's bilateral leg disability will also be conducted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience. Therefore, the claim for a TDIU is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a clarification of the VA reviewer's opinions regarding the etiology of the appellant's hypertension.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim for service connection for hypertension.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to metastatic rectal cancer, which is not service-connected. The Board found no evidence linking the cancer or its causes to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow disorder, left carpel tunnel syndrome, and recurrent dislocation of the left shoulder have been denied as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records, including VA treatment records. Further examination is also required to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension was incurred in service, as evidenced by his high blood pressure readings at separation and during service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and is not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by a service-connected condition. The evidence does not support a finding that his hypertension is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a brain aneurysm were denied as there is no credible evidence of such conditions in service or within one year following discharge, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that they are related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are rated as 100% disabling, but he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his disabilities. The case is REMANDED for further development and an appropriate VA examination.

The Board has ordered additional development to be completed, including obtaining medical records and scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations. The claims of service connection for hypertension, secondary to PTSD, and TDIU rating are being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for hypertension due to additional development and consideration of all evidence, including private medical records and VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, hand disorder, and hypertension are not related to his active service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether hypertension is related to service and if it was aggravated by service-connected diabetes mellitus.