The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension on a direct basis and for increased evaluations of her lumbar spine disability and left leg radiculopathy. The evidence did not establish that hypertension was incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor could it be presumed due to its onset within one year after discharge.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's STRs do not contain a diagnosis of hypertension, and there is no competent medical evidence linking her current hypertension to active service. Blood pressure readings during service did not meet the criteria for hypertension as defined by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, lumbar spine disability, left leg radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 29, 2011
- Citation
- 1136658
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 1136658.
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
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The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and increased rating for anxiety disorder have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for hypertension, and the Veteran's anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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