The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, hypertension, arteriosclerotic peripheral vascular disease of the right lower extremity, and right knee strain are all service-connected. The Veteran is granted increased ratings for his hypertension (to 10%) and right knee strain (from 0% to 10% prior to October 5, 2015).
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability manifested within a year of separation from service. His hypertension is shown to have been manifested by diastolic pressures predominantly 100 or more and continuous medication required for control. The right knee strain prior to October 5, 2015 was manifested by painful limitation of flexion with less than compensable severity.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine DDD, Hypertension, Arteriosclerotic peripheral vascular disease of the right lower extremity, Right knee strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 21, 2016
- Citation
- 1616052
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 1616052.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disability, finding that there was no nexus between his current condition and active duty service.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
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.