Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain, finding that there was no evidence of onset during active service or a relationship to service. The veteran's claim for hypertension was denied due to lack of continuity of symptomatology with service, while his claim for lumbosacral strain was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on range of motion and incapacitating episodes.

The deciding factor: The Board found that there was no evidence of onset during active service or a relationship to service for hypertension. The veteran's claim for hypertension was denied due to lack of continuity of symptomatology with service, while his claim for lumbosacral strain was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on range of motion and incapacitating episodes.

Claimed conditions
hypertension, lumbosacral strain
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
December 24, 2008
Citation
0844571

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 0844571.

What this means for you

A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.

What you can do next

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

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.