Hypertension (high blood pressure) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, hypertension, and heart disability.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and clarification of the Veteran's periods of Active Duty for Training (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty for Training (INACDUTRA). The claims for service connection for vertigo, tinnitus, and hypertension are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and a need for a new medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hypertension. The issue is not about service connection via a presumption like PACT Act, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, etc.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as 10 percent prior to December 14, 2022 and denied for a compensable rating. From December 14, 2022 onwards, the Veteran's hypertension is rated as 10 percent and denied for an increased disability rating in excess of 10 percent.,The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to December 14, 2022 due to his blood pressure readings consistently below the threshold required for such a rating. From December 14, 2022 onwards, the Veteran's hypertension was rated as 10 percent based on one VA examination showing diastolic pressure predominantly at or above 100 requiring continuous medication.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, is granted as service connected. The Veteran's hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of chronic or recurrent hypertension during service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 60 percent for hypertension with chronic kidney disease is denied, and the Board has remanded his claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and the Board found no evidence to warrant a higher rating. The acquired psychiatric disability claim has been remanded due to insufficient evidence for proper evaluation.

The Veteran's hypertension has been granted service connection.,Service connection for back disability, right wrist disability, left ankle disability, and headaches have all been granted.,A compensable rating of 10 percent is assigned for the Veteran's right hand little finger disability.,An initial rating higher than 20 percent for right shoulder disability has not been granted.,An increased 20 percent rating but not higher for left knee internal derangement has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a separate compensable evaluation for hypertension, secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II, is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for further evidentiary development due to the AOJ's failure to obtain private records from San Juan Capestrano Hospital. The SSOC was not provided to the Appellant.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders and sleep apnea. The claims are inextricably intertwined with hypertension.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right leg and ankle disability, but has remanded his claim for service connection for heart disability including hypertension due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's right knee disability status post total knee replacement is granted as service connection. The Veteran's left ear hearing loss, cervical/lumbar spine disability, hypertension (HTN), and abnormal heart rate are denied.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension on a presumptive basis due to exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam under the PACT Act. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, left knee disability, and colon cancer are remanded as they do not meet the criteria for service connection based on the PACT Act.

Service connection for hypertension is granted due to the PACT Act. Service connection for bilateral knee disorder and left hip disorder is denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or continuity of symptomatology. Service connection for post-herpetic neuralgia is denied based on lack of medical diagnosis.

The Veteran's special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance has been granted, effective from his death in December 2021.

The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension is granted. Service connection for prostate cancer, presumed due to exposure to burn pits, is also granted under the PACT Act. The issue of service connection for prostate cancer on any other basis than the PACT Act is remanded.

The Board has determined that new evidence has been submitted and the claims for service connection must be remanded to allow for further review by the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy of the lower extremities, hypertension, and low testosterone due to exposure to toxins at Fort McClellan between July 1959 and December 1970.

The Veteran's hypertension is related on a secondary basis to his service-connected anxiety disorder, kidney disease, and sleep apnea. The Board finds that the opinions of record do not adequately address this relationship and remands for new opinions from an appropriate VA medical examiner.