The Veteran's hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of its onset during service or within a year after separation, and it is not related to service.,Major depressive disorder is granted with a rating of 70 percent but no higher. The Veteran has symptoms such as suicidal ideation, neglect of personal hygiene, and near-continuous panic or depression.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that hypertension began during service or within the presumptive period, nor is it related to an in-service injury or disease.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder has symptoms such as suicidal ideation, neglect of personal hygiene, and near-continuous panic or depression, which are consistent with a 70 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Hypertension, Major depressive disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- October 12, 2018
- Citation
- 18141848
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 18141848.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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 Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder does not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or confined to his home, thus SMC based on housebound status and/or need for regular aid and attendance is denied.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
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