Citation Nr: 22015349 Decision Date: 03/17/22 Archive Date: 03/17/22 DOCKET NO. 18-27 284 DATE: March 17, 2022 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for hypertension is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from September 1999 to November 2007. In November 2021, the Veteran testified at a Board hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge (VLJ). A transcript of the hearing is associated with the record. Entitlement to service connection for hypertension is remanded. The Veteran's VA treatment records show that he has a current diagnosis for hypertension. At the November 2021 Board hearing, the Veteran's representative asserted that the Veteran's service treatment records (STRs) showed elevated blood pressure readings in service, which indicated a high risk of developing hypertension later in life. The Veteran also testified that following military service he did not seek medical treatment because he did not have insurance; however, upon learning that he could receive healthcare from VA, he sought treatment and was immediately diagnosed with hypertension and put on medication for the condition. In December 2016, the Veteran's VA treating physician submitted a medical opinion, wherein she opined that a careful review of the record revealed that the Veteran's hypertension occurred in service, and that it was "possible" his current chronic hypertension was related to his military service. It is not clear what records were reviewed by the VA treating physician. Moreover, the medical opinion is phrased in speculative terms. However, a review of the record shows the Veteran has not been provided a VA examination to assess the etiology of his hypertension and based on the foregoing evidence, the Board finds it is sufficient to trigger VA's duty to assist to provide a VA examination for a medical opinion. McLendon v. Nicholson, 20 Vet. App. 79, 81-84 (2006). The matter is REMANDED for the following action: Arrange for the Veteran to be examined by an appropriate clinician to assess the nature and etiology of his hypertension. The claims folder (including a copy of this remand) must be provided to and reviewed by the examiner. All indicated tests should be accomplished and all clinical findings reported in detail. The examiner should provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not (i.e., 50 percent probability or greater) that the Veteran's hypertension had its onset in service, within one year of separation from service, or is otherwise related to his active duty service. In rendering the above opinion, the examiner must specifically consider and discuss the Veteran's STRs, which show elevated blood pressure in service. Additionally, the examiner must consider and discuss the December 2016 medical opinion from the Veteran's VA treating physician, which indicated that the Veteran's hypertension occurred while in service, and that his current chronic hypertension may be related to his military service as it was documented while in service. The examiner is advised that the Veteran is competent to report his symptoms/history and that such reports must be acknowledged and considered in formulating any opinion. If his reports are discounted, the examiner should provide a reason for doing so. A rationale for all requested opinions shall be provided. If the examiner cannot provide an opinion without resorting to mere speculation, he or she shall provide a complete explanation stating why this is so. In so doing, the examiner shall explain whether the inability to provide a more definitive opinion is the result of a need for additional information or that he or she has exhausted the limits of current medical knowledge in providing an answer to that particular question. A. ISHIZAWAR Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board Talton, John H. 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.