Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Whole decision: Denied

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The Veteran's hypertension was not related to service, as evidenced by in-service blood pressure readings that did not meet the required diagnosis for hypertension. The Veteran has not been diagnosed with CFS during the pendency of these claims.,For left thigh limitation of extension, a noncompensable rating is assigned under Diagnostic Code 5003-5251. For left thigh limitation of flexion, a 20 percent rating is assigned under Diagnostic Code 5003-5252. For impairment of the left thigh, a 10 percent rating is assigned under Diagnostic Code 5003-5253.,The Board denied increased ratings for left thigh limitation of extension and flexion, as well as for impairment of the left thigh.

The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence shows that hypertension and CFS are not related to service. The Veteran's in-service blood pressure readings did not meet the required diagnosis for hypertension.,The most probative medical evidence shows that the Veteran’s left hip disability does not warrant a compensable rating under Diagnostic Codes 5003-5251, 5003-5252, or 5003-5253. The Veteran's current ratings are based on limitation of motion and functional impairment.,The preponderance of the evidence shows that increased ratings for left thigh limitation of extension, flexion, and impairment of the left thigh do not warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5003-5251, 5003-5252, or 5003-5253.

Claimed conditions
hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), left thigh limitation of extension, left thigh limitation of flexion, impairment of the left thigh
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
September 15, 2020
Citation
20060691

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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20060691.

What this means for you

A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.

What you can do next

Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).

Related decisions

Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.

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.