The Veteran's hypertension is denied as there is no evidence of service connection or a compensable degree within the presumptive period. The initial rating for left foot hammertoes and right foot surgical scars are granted at 10 percent, while the initial rating for left foot surgical scars is also granted at 10 percent. The acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 70 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to have manifested during service or within a presumptive period and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology. The right foot hammertoes resulted in painful scars that are not unstable, warranting a 10 percent rating. The left foot surgical scars also result in painful scars but do not meet the criteria for instability.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, left foot hammertoes, right foot surgical scars, left foot surgical scars, headache condition, acquired psychiatric disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18150453
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 18150453.
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
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
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.
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