The Board denied service connection for hypertension and denied increased ratings for lumbosacral spondylosis, left lower radiculopathy, and right lower radiculopathy. The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in or aggravated by service as there is no evidence of it within one year post-service. His lumbosacral spondylosis did not result in incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest, so a higher rating could not be granted.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred during service and denied service connection for it. The VA examination indicated no evidence of hypertension during service, and the Veteran's first diagnosis with hypertension occurred after separation from service. For lumbosacral spondylosis, there were no incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest as defined by VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, lumbosacral spondylosis, left lower radiculopathy, right lower radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 28, 2018
- Citation
- 18153911
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 18153911.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and increased rating for anxiety disorder have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of a current disability meeting the criteria for hypertension, and the Veteran's anxiety disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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