The Veteran's hypertension and left ear hearing loss have been evaluated based on the evidence of record. The Board has determined that a compensable rating for hypertension is not warranted, while an initial increased rating for left ear hearing loss is denied.,For several issues in this case, including service connection for various conditions such as a heart condition, nerve disorder affecting the left side of the body, left hand disorder, and vision disorder of the left eye, VA examinations were determined to be not warranted due to lack of evidence of current disorders. However, recent private medical records have been submitted indicating current disorders that may be associated with service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hypertension has not met the criteria for a compensable rating as his blood pressure readings do not consistently meet the threshold requirements set forth in Diagnostic Code 7101. The left ear hearing loss disability evaluations range from noncompensable to 100 percent based on organic impairment of hearing acuity, and there is no evidence of an exceptional pattern of hearing impairment under 38 C.F.R. § 4.86.
- Claimed conditions
- Hypertension, Left Ear Hearing Loss, Cardiac Condition (Heart Murmur), Nerve Disorder Affecting Left Side of Body Nerve, Left Hand Disorder, Vision Disorder of Left Eye, Left Knee Disorder, Back Disorder
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 3, 2019
- Citation
- 19167867
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 19167867.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's 10% rating for hypertension effective December 1, 2025 and denied a rating in excess of 10%. The reduction from 10% to noncompensable was not proper.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.