The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for hypertension has been granted. The Board also remanded the issues of increased rating for PTSD and service connection for hypertension, with consideration given to whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran’s hypertension is proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's claim for an initial increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was remanded. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for hypertension, with consideration given to whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran’s hypertension is proximately caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.
The deciding factor: The decision on the increased rating for PTSD was based on a lack of clear intent from the RO to withdraw the claim. The Board found further development necessary due to potential worsening of symptoms and indications of memory loss.,The decision on hypertension was based on the need for additional evidence regarding its etiology, including whether it is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD.
- Claimed conditions
- Hypertension, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 28, 2018
- Citation
- 18154004
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 18154004.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 50% since March 23, 2004. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted prior to February 15, 2005 due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on his social and occupational functioning.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and any acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current mental health conditions and his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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