The Veteran's appeal was denied as the claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU were not substantiated by the evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that hypertension or PTSD with major depressive disorder were directly related to military service, nor did it demonstrate sufficient impairment in work or social functioning to warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure due to clogged arteries), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Major Depressive Disorder, Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 14, 2014
- Citation
- 1445365
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 1445365.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a heart disability and hypertension due to pre-decisional duty-to-assist errors. The AOJ is required to obtain addendum medical opinions regarding toxic exposure risk activities (TERA).
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder caused significant occupational and social impairment, but not total impairment. The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 70 percent prior to September 26, 2019.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. The current 70 percent rating is maintained.
- Granted
The Board has restored service connection for Ischemic Heart Disease, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Diabetes Mellitus type II, Chronic Kidney Disease, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the lower left extremity sciatic nerve, Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of the lower right extremity sciatic nerve, and Hypertension. The Board found that the original grant of service connection was not clearly erroneous due to the Veteran's exposure along the DMZ in Korea.
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