Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of diastolic or systolic pressure predominantly meeting criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's hypertension and presumed herbicide exposure during service. A new examination is required.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of skin cancer excision scars, bilateral hearing loss, and multiple noncompensable disabilities are dismissed. The Board also remanded the Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for service-connected hypertension, as well as his claims for arthritis of various joints.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo is denied as he does not have this condition.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, major depression disorder, anxiety disorder, insomnia) is denied. The Veteran submitted opinions from private doctors stating that he has these conditions, but the Board finds their opinions outweighed by other medical evidence of record and insufficient to establish a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss is denied as there is no in-service noise exposure documented and his STRs do not show any relevant symptoms. The VA examiner found that his diagnosed hearing loss is less likely than not related to service.,Service connection for a back disorder, right hip disorder, left hip disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, right lower extremity nerve disorder, and left lower extremity nerve disorder are denied as the Veteran's STRs do not show any relevant symptoms. The VA examiner found that his diagnosed conditions are less likely than not related to service.,Service connection for a heart disorder (atrial fibrillation, bradycardia) is denied as there is no in-service noise exposure documented and the VA examiners found that his atrial fibrillation is at least as likely as not related to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's STRs show he had a benign heart murmur at entrance to service.,Service connection for bilateral lower extremity edema (right and left) is denied as there is no in-service noise exposure documented and the VA examiners found that his diagnosed conditions are less likely than not related to service.,Service connection for hypertension prior to August 10, 2022 is denied. The Veteran's STRs show he had a benign heart murmur at entrance to service and the VA examiner found that his bradycardia is at least as likely as not related to herbicide exposure.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction prior to August 10, 2022 is denied. There is no in-service noise exposure documented and the Veteran's STRs show he had a benign heart murmur at entrance to service.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure. The claims for left and right lower extremity neuropathy are denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to February 13, 2020. The Board found that the evidence does not show he was unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected chronic kidney disease.,Service connection for hypothyroidism is granted due to exposure during service, not a preexisting condition.,Bilateral cataracts are denied as the evidence does not show they are related to service.

The Veteran's hypertension and obesity have non-compensable ratings, while her PTSD is rated at 50 percent. The Board has remanded the issues of a higher rating for PTSD and TDIU.,Obesity was granted as secondary to PTSD, but cannot be compensated under the schedule for rating disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death due to hypertension, which was found to be related to his service-connected lumbar spine disorder. The appellant's representative argued that material evidence had not been considered in the July 2023 decision, leading to its vacatur and a de novo determination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding service connection for various conditions, including a back disability, neck disability, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate opinions and need for additional evidence. The Veteran's service connection claims are being returned to the RO for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's asthma is granted service connection under the PACT Act, while other conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence for a left eardrum disability. The other issues are being remanded as well.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and missing medical records.

The Veteran's hypertension and right ear hearing loss disability were denied as they are not related to service.,Service connection for a right ear hearing loss disability was remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hypertension, right knee disability prior to May 27, 2016, and sacral disorder are remanded due to the need for additional examination.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and hypertension due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Guam. The Veteran's conditions are considered presumptive under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not service-connected as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA criteria for these conditions.,Service connection has been granted for hypertension, with the onset likely during active duty. The Veteran's psychiatric condition remains under consideration.

The Board has remanded the cases due to issues with service connection for hypertension and aortic stenosis, which are inextricably intertwined. The case will be reviewed to determine if the Veteran's preexisting hypertension aggravated his aortic stenosis during active service.