The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a compensable rating for hypertension, increased ratings for degenerative disc disease with scoliosis, and service connection for tinnitus.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not support granting service connection on any basis other than under the PACT Act for hypertension. For the lumbar spine disability, there was no basis to award an earlier effective date or a higher rating given the lack of continuous pursuit of such claims following initial grant in 2014.

Claimed conditions

hypertension, degenerative disc disease (DDD) with scoliosis, tinnitus

How they argued it

Presumptive (no nexus needed)

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 24, 2025

Citation

A25016314

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