Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on several service-connected conditions are remanded due to the need for new evaluations and assessments.

The Board has identified several issues on appeal, including claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow the AOJ to consider all evidence, including new VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus with erectile dysfunction and nephropathy with hypertension; bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves; bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy; and a lumbar spine disability have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to TDIU for the entire period of the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a VA examination for his right arm condition and HTN. The examiner will determine if the conditions are related to service, including an injury in June 2009, and whether HTN is secondary to DMII.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not improve under ordinary conditions of life at the time of the reduction on July 1, 2014. The evidence showed consistent high blood pressure readings and continued need for medication.

The Veteran's hypertension was rated at 10 percent, and the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on diastolic pressure of predominantly 110 or more or systolic pressure of predominantly 200 or more.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for hypertension, but has remanded the issues of entitlement to higher ratings for other service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with prior remand instructions, specifically regarding medical opinions for sleep apnea. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, low back disability, and hypertension are being considered as potential causes or aggravators of his sleep apnea.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of evidence meeting VA criteria for hearing loss.,The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee disability, gout, acid reflux (GERD), and sleep disorder (including sleep apnea and insomnia) as well as hypertension.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, migraine headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure at Camp Lejeune, as well as his TDIU claim. The claims will be reviewed again with a focus on obtaining TERA examinations and opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including alcohol use disorder and depression due to insufficient medical evidence in their favor.

The appeal for service connection for sleep apnea is dismissed. The appeals for the remaining conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been withdrawn. The claims for reopening of previously denied left great toe disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder are granted, but the issues of service connection remain pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and residuals of bunionectomies due to exposure to gas and diesel fuel during National Guard service. The AOJ is instructed to obtain medical opinions regarding these issues.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted on a presumptive basis. Service connection for hypertension, except under the PACT Act, is remanded due to potential direct service connection.

The Board has determined that the development conducted does not comply with the April 2023 Board remand. The Veteran's Raynaud's disease is being remanded for an addendum VA medical opinion to determine if it clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service and was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for hypertension is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for sinusitis is denied.,A 10 percent rating for hypertension is granted, subject to the law and regulations governing the award of monetary benefits.,An initial compensable rating for sinusitis is denied.,Total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted from January 30, 2018.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his service-connected conditions did not contribute substantially or materially to his death.