The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension did not have its onset during service or within one year of separation from service and is not otherwise related to service.,There is a preponderance of evidence against a nexus between a current gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, and any incident in service. The Veteran was not exposed to asbestos and/or other toxic chemicals during service.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not establish that the Veteran's hypertension had its onset during or within one year of separation from service, nor is there a link between his current condition and service.,There is no competent evidence linking any gastrointestinal disability to service. The Veteran was not exposed to asbestos and/or other toxic chemicals during service.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, gastrointestinal disability (GERD), COPD, rhinitis, hydrocele
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 24, 2014
- Citation
- 1402995
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1402995.
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
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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