Citation Nr: 21065623
Decision Date: 10/26/21	Archive Date: 10/26/21

DOCKET NO. 18-41 078
DATE: October 26, 2021

REMANDED

Entitlement to service connection for hypertension is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from July 1988 to August 1998 and from September 2007 to November 2008.

A hearing was held before the undersigned veterans law judge in February 2021. The transcript is of record. During the hearing, the VLJ clarified the issues, asked if there was outstanding evidence and held the file open for the submission of evidence. Such actions comply with 38 C.F.R. § 3.103.

1. Entitlement to service connection for hypertension is remanded.

The Board cannot make a fully-informed decision on the issue of service connection for hypertension because the VA medical opinion of record is inadequate. The only VA opinion to address direct service connection stated that the Veteran's hypertension was less likely than not related to his service because it was not diagnosed until 2001. This is not a sufficient rationale, as it does not provide any explanation. It also fails to address the several instances of elevated blood pressure found in the Veteran's service treatment records. Remand is necessary for a new examination. 

The matter is REMANDED for the following action:

1. Schedule the Veteran for a VA examination for his hypertension. The examiner must review the claims file.

The examiner is asked to provide a response to the following: 

Is the Veteran's hypertension at least as likely as not related to service, including the noted instances of elevated blood pressure?  A well-supported rationale must be provided.

2.  After the above development, and any additionally indicated development, has been completed, readjudicate the issue on appeal.  If the benefit sought is not granted to the Veteran's satisfaction, send the Veteran and his representative a Supplemental Statement of the Case and provide an opportunity to respond.  If necessary, return the case to the Board for further appellate review. 

 

H. N. SCHWARTZ

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans' Appeals

Attorney for the Board	Creegan, Amanda

The Board's decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.