Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's hypertension was not manifested by diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more or systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more during the appeal period, thus no compensable rating is warranted.,The Veteran's left hand fracture/long finger disability did not result in a gap of one inch (2.5 cm) or more between the fingertip and the proximal transverse crease of the palm with the finger flexed to the extent possible; nor was there limitation of extension limited by no more than 30 degrees, thus no compensable rating is warranted.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss cannot be established as the Veteran did not have a current disability at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.,Service connection for a left hip disability cannot be established as the Veteran did not have a current disability at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.,Service connection for a left wrist joint pain (not service-connected) cannot be established as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Service connection for right testicular mass cannot be established as there is no evidence of a current disability.,Service connection for contact dermatitis (legs, face, neck) cannot be established as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the genitourinary disability issue during a hearing before the Board. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded.

The Board dismissed the claims of right upper extremity numbness, diabetes mellitus, type II, erectile dysfunction, hypertension, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss for accrued benefits purposes.,Service connection was granted for kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) due to radiation exposure during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and right shoulder degenerative joint disease have been reopened, and both conditions are now granted.,Service connection has also been granted for headaches with very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks.

The Board denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for hypertension as a result of treatment with prednisone at the VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana in August and September 2006.,The Board also denied compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for erectile dysfunction, vision disorder (glaucoma), peripheral vascular disease (arterial insufficiency and femoral artery bypass), and nerve damage lower extremities as secondary to hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and respiratory disorder was denied. For bilateral hearing loss, the Board found that a compensable rating is not warranted based on VA audiological evaluations conducted in August 2015, August 2016, and January 2023. For respiratory disorder (Pulmonary Hypertension), the Veteran's claim was denied as there was no clear etiology for his disease due to lack of objective findings supporting asbestos exposure or other potential causes.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection due to full grants of other issues on appeal, including hypertension and bilateral lower extremity diabetic neuropathy. The claim for TDIU was also dismissed as the evaluation for congestive heart failure associated with diabetes mellitus type II with hypertension rendered it moot.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for hypertension due to a lack of a VA examination prior to the decision on appeal.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and remanded the claim of service connection for hypertension, which is secondary to a service-connected psychiatric disability. The Veteran's current evidence does not show a current diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome or a specified fatigue disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hypertension and GERD have been withdrawn. The appeal for sleep apnea has been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for headaches, a heart condition (including hypertension), a bilateral condition, a left ankle disability, and a right ankle disability due to incomplete records from the VA Medical Center in Long Beach, California prior to 1997.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone, without considering her non-service-connected impairments, were sufficient for requiring regular aid and attendance. The VA will need to provide a retrospective opinion from an examiner.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 50 percent for major depressive disorder is remanded. The appeal for service connection for hypertension as secondary to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities is also remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as due to herbicide exposure pursuant to the PACT Act, effective August 10, 2022. The issue of service connection for hypertension on a direct basis and secondary to a service connected heart disability remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a medical examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension, which is currently service-connected. The examiner should consider whether the condition is related to service, aggravated by sleep apnea or major depressive disorder, or both.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations regarding her service-connected right knee patellofemoral syndrome and left foot pes planus.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension are granted as a result of exposure to herbicides. The hypertension is also granted under the PACT Act.

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension and an acquired psychiatric disability, including mood disorder, major depression, and PTSD due to potential asbestos exposure during service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for hypertension and GERD are remanded due to concerns about the qualifications of the VA examiner who conducted the initial evaluations in 2018, as well as potential need for updated medical records.