The Veteran's hypertension, right inguinal hernia repair, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAT) with tachycardia, and hypertensive heart disease with cardiomyopathy are all rated at their maximum levels. The Board has found no basis for granting higher ratings in any of these cases.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent as his blood pressure readings do not consistently reach the required thresholds (diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more). The right inguinal hernia repair residuals are rated at their maximum level of 30 percent due to the absence of a large, postoperative, recurrent hernia that is not well supported under ordinary conditions. The Veteran's paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAT) with tachycardia and hypertensive heart disease with cardiomyopathy are separately compensated.
- Claimed conditions
- Hypertension, Right inguinal hernia repair, Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAT) with tachycardia, Cardiomyopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 10, 2024
- Citation
- 24015508
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 24015508.
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.
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