Service connection for hypertension is granted. An evaluation higher than 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea is denied.,An evaluation higher than 10 percent for residuals of appendectomy (abdominal scar disability) is denied. An effective date earlier than March 13, 2013, for the award of service connection for OSA is denied. An effective date earlier than September 30, 2014, for the grant of a 70 percent rating for PTSD is denied.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disability is granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hypertension was related to service and manifested within one year of separation. The VA examiner concluded that the Veteran’s hypertension is likely related to service.,The Veteran has been rated as 50 percent disabled for OSA throughout the appeal period, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 6847 (100% rating).,The Veteran's abdominal scar disability was superficial and well-healed. The VA examiner noted that it is painful but not unstable or requiring continuous medication.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, abdominal scar disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- November 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18150779
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 18150779.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence to support a finding that his current condition began in or as a result of service.
- Denied
The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as there is no current diagnosis of this condition during the appeal period.
- 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.
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