The Veteran's hypertension is rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating, finding that the evidence did not show diastolic blood pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic blood pressure predominantly 200 or more.,For the period prior to May 19, 2016, the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board granted a 20 percent rating, finding that the evidence showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.,For the period from May 19, 2016 onward, the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating, finding that the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.,For the period prior to November 23, 2022, the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board granted a higher rating, finding that the evidence showed moderate incomplete paralysis.,For the period prior to November 23, 2022, the Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board denied a higher rating, finding that the evidence did not show moderately severe incomplete paralysis, severe incomplete, or complete paralysis.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability rating greater than 10 percent for service-connected hypertension under Diagnostic Code (DC) 7101.,The evidence showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, meeting the criteria for a 20 percent rating under DC 5243.,The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, which would warrant a higher rating under DC 5243.,The evidence showed moderate incomplete paralysis, meeting the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8520.,The evidence did not show moderately severe incomplete paralysis, severe incomplete, or complete paralysis, which would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code (DC) 8520.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 30, 2023
- Citation
- 23019669
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 23019669.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to conflicting opinions regarding service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, and skin disabilities related to herbicide exposure.
- 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.
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.