The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his gouty arthritis and essential hypertension with ischemic changes were denied. The Board found that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.,However, the veteran was granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner noted that the veteran had some limitation of motion and complaints of pain involving multiple joints. However, there were no deformities or exacerbations occurring four or more times a year as required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5002.,For essential hypertension with ischemic changes, the diastolic pressure was predominantly 120 or more, meeting the criteria for a 40% evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Gouty Arthritis, Essential Hypertension with Ischemic Changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 27, 2000
- Citation
- 0033721
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0033721.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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- Whole decision: Denied
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