The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for chronic hypertension and granted a 20 percent evaluation for his lumbosacral spine disability. The initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity radiculitis was also granted, as were increased evaluations for weight gain and cushingoid habitus.
The deciding factor: The veteran presented new evidence sufficient to reopen his claim of service connection for chronic hypertension and established that he had a lumbosacral spine disability with associated symptoms warranting the assigned evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic hypertension, lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease and spondylosis, right lower extremity radiculitis, weight gain and cushingoid habitus
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 12, 2007
- Citation
- 0707278
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0707278.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another, as well as initial disability ratings for his left ankle osteoarthritis and right lower extremity radiculitis, are being remanded due to deficiencies in VA examinations and duty-to-assist errors.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for several conditions, including hypertension and breast cancer residuals. However, it remanded the claims for uterine leiomyomata (fibroids) and related issues.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for chronic hypertension and thyroid disorder due to potential Agent Orange exposure during service. Additional evidence must be obtained, including complete military personnel records and verification of in-service herbicide agent exposure.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's heart disease, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his active service and presumed exposure to herbicide agents (Agent Orange). The decision also grants presumptive service connection for chronic hypertension due to Agent Orange exposure.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.