Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, tinnitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The AOJ will obtain a new medical opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension and arteriosclerotic heart disease are service-connected, with the latter being secondary to the former.,The cause of death is attributed to bilateral pneumonia and congestive heart failure, which were related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, which is the minimum compensable rating. The Board found that his diastolic pressure was predominantly over 100 and required continuous medication for control.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is rated at 100% effective from the date of his January 30, 2023 supplemental claim. The other service connection claims are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to November 14, 2007 for hypertension service connection and a separate noncompensable rating for low back scar are granted. The claim for an initial compensable rating for hypertension is denied. The claim for a higher rating for low back disability is remanded. The claim for a compensable rating for left lower extremity neuropathy affecting the internal saphenous nerve is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraines and hypertension is granted. The claim for sleep apnea is denied.

The Board denied service connection for headaches and granted a 10 percent rating for hypertension, effective December 22, 2016.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is service-connected.,His hypertension, which was also service-connected, is considered secondary to his PTSD and sleep apnea. His chronic kidney disease, which is also service-connected, is considered secondary to his hypertension.

Service connection for hypertension is granted.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity and left upper extremity is denied.,Effective dates for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities (right and left) are denied.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and congestive heart failure are remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding exposure to burn pits during service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw their appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hypertension, and the Board has dismissed this issue.

The Veteran's hypertension requires medication to control, but his blood pressure readings do not consistently meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board has granted a 10 percent rating.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's hypertension, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, upper extremity disability (chronic joint pain, DDD, DJD), lumbar spine disability (lumbosacral strain), plantar fasciitis, sciatica, and insomnia have not been found to be service-connected.,There is no evidence of current disabilities related to the Veteran's claimed conditions during or recent to the pendency of his claims.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for transverse myelitis, a heart disorder (claimed as heart failure takotsubo), and hypertension due to potential errors in the duty to assist.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective January 21, 2020. The Board denied an earlier effective date.,The Veteran was granted eligibility for DEA benefits effective January 21, 2020. The Board denied an earlier effective date.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection on all listed conditions due to his death.

The Veteran's hypertension has not manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, and while he requires continuous medication for control of his symptoms, there is no history of diastolic blood pressure elevation predominantly to 100 or more. Therefore, the initial noncompensable rating assigned to the Veteran's service-connected hypertension is appropriate.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment due to his education and occupational experience.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension may be related to her active service, but further examination and medical opinion are needed to make a determination.