The Veteran's hypertension was denied service connection as it did not manifest in service or within the one-year presumptive period, and there is no evidence of a nexus to service.,The Veteran's low back disability was denied an increased rating higher than 40 percent as his symptoms do not more nearly approximate unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or the entire spine.,The Veteran's ulcerative colitis was granted an initial 30 percent rating, but no higher. The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether the symptoms have more nearly approximated moderately severe symptoms with frequent exacerbations.
The deciding factor: Service connection for hypertension cannot be established as there is no indication of a diagnosis or treatment during service and no confirmation of hypertension within one year of discharge.,The Veteran's low back disability does not meet the criteria for an increased rating higher than 40 percent due to lack of evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.,For ulcerative colitis, the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether symptoms have more nearly approximated moderately severe symptoms with frequent exacerbations.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, low back pain and degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine (low back disability), ulcerative colitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19155280
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 19155280.
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