Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to a need for additional evidence, specifically regarding exposure to toxic substances during service. The Veteran's MOS as a cryogenic fluids equipment operator suggests he was exposed to TERA (toxic-exposed risk activity).

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board denied a compensable rating.,The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder did not meet the criteria for an effective period under 38 C.F.R. § 4.29 prior to July 13, 2018, or subsequent to August 31, 2018.

The Veteran's hypertension did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101, as his blood pressure readings were consistently below 160 systolic or 100 diastolic. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's lower back condition is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's hypertension, secondary to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is granted as service connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease has been denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's hypertension claim has been remanded due to the inadequacy of the April 2020 VA examination and the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus (due to herbicide exposure) were granted initial ratings, with hypertension receiving a non-compensable rating prior to September 7, 2022, and a 10 percent rating from that date. The Veteran's diabetes was granted a 40 percent disability rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including type II diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy, all potentially related to herbicide exposure during his time at Fort Gordon, Georgia. The AOJ is instructed to verify the Veteran's alleged exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's IBS is granted a rating of 30 percent for the period on appeal. The service connection claims for hypertension and OSA are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's service-connected hypertension, finding that his blood pressure readings did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

Service connection is granted for right shoulder strain, right hip arthritis, ingrown toenails on both big toes, bronchitis, sleep apnea, and hypertension.,The claim of service connection for coronary artery disease is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and insomnia disorder secondary to service-connected conditions due to inadequate opinions from previous VA examiners. The issues are inextricably intertwined as they may be impacted by a decision on the other issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetic retinopathy, gastrointestinal disorder, and hypothyroidism due to Camp Lejeune exposure are denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for internal hemorrhoids, glaucoma, and hypertension as secondary to diabetes mellitus are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to verify herbicide exposure and determine if the Veteran's kidney disability is related to his service, including any in-service basketball injury.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected. The cause of the Veteran's prostate disability and the severity of his peripheral neuropathies are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's dilated aortic root, which is secondary to his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent for limitation of extension, and separate ratings are granted for instability (10%) and partial meniscectomy residuals (10%). The appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection for a right low back disorder and hypertension.,Service connection for the Veteran's right low back disorder and hypertension remains pending as they are to be considered secondary or aggravated by existing service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for type II diabetes mellitus with hypertension and bilateral nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show regulation of activities required to warrant an increased rating, but also noted no other compensable complications.

The Board denied service connection for unspecified anxiety disorder (claimed as posttraumatic stress disorder), hypertension, gout, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, lower back DJD, neck disorder with pain and numbness down the hands, and COPD. The cases are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a pre-decisional error in obtaining a relevant Army report. The Veteran's cause of death is also being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension because the submitted evidence was not new and relevant.