Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 50 percent for migraines is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, warranting a 50 percent disability rating. Other issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran is granted SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including depression and other conditions. The effective date of this decision is August 28, 2023.

Service connection for hypertension and a heart condition (atrial fibrillation and LVH) is granted on a direct basis. Service connection for a respiratory disorder (COPD and pulmonary embolism) is denied.,The Veteran's hypertension was found to be due to his exposure to an herbicide in-service, while the denial of service connection for COPD and pulmonary embolism is based on lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a heart disability, as well as her claim for TDIU. The VA is required to obtain additional medical opinions to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his heart conditions, which led to his death. The VA is instructed to obtain updated treatment records and provide a medical opinion on this issue.

The Board has dismissed the appeals of the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cardiovascular/vascular disorder, including dissection of the common iliac artery and hypertension, as well as metabolic syndrome. The Veteran opted into the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act (AMA) review system prior to recertification of the appeal.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, sleep disorder (to include as due to service-connected deviated nasal septum and non-allergic rhinitis), and hypertension.,There is no evidence of any chronic knee condition during or within one year after service. The Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his in-service injuries.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension. The remaining claims of service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, right ankle disability, a higher rating for GERD with hiatal hernia, pancreatitis, and pancreatic pseudocysts, and entitlement to TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's service connection for hypertension is granted under the PACT Act. His PTSD with anxiety disorder remains at a 70% rating, and he is granted TDIU as of April 21, 2012. The ratings for his lumbar spine and right shoulder disabilities remain remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, and hypertension. The Veteran's OSA is considered directly related to his military service. His headaches are linked to both the in-service symptoms and his current condition. Hypertension is found to be secondary to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and bilateral hearing loss disability has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted. Increased ratings were awarded for lumbar strain (40%), bilateral foot degenerative joint disease (10%), and migraine cephalgia (30%). The effective date for the increase to a 10 percent rating for bilateral feet degenerative joint disease is May 25, 2017.

Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and hypertension is denied.,Service connection for psoriasis and dermatitis is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, and her TDIU claim was granted. The hypertension case is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been reopened, and the reduction of his peptic ulcer disease rating from 60% to 20% is restored. Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are granted.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, lumbosacral strain, eczema of the bilateral upper extremities and hands, scarring alopecia (perifolliculitis capitis abscedens), and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) facial have all been denied. The Board found no evidence to support service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension is granted due to the PACT Act. The claims for sleep apnea and pulmonary hypertension are remanded as additional opinions are needed.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected migraine headaches.,The Veteran's right knee disability, diagnosed as right knee strain with degenerative arthritis status post arthroscopy, is granted on the basis of aggravation during service.,The Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as left knee strain with degenerative arthritis, is granted on the basis of aggravation during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and gastrointestinal condition due to insufficient examination opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected under the PACT Act, but his claim for service connection prior to August 10, 2022 remains pending and requires additional medical opinions.