The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pulmonary hypertension and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to pulmonary hypertension.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish that the Veteran's pulmonary hypertension had its onset during military service, within one year following separation from service, or was caused by his military service. The Board found no credible evidence of ionizing radiation exposure or burn pit toxin exposure in service, and the medical evidence supported a finding that the condition was more likely related to the Veteran's history as a heavy smoker.
- Claimed conditions
- pulmonary hypertension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 7, 2025
- Citation
- A25031890
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,455 · Granted: 23% (granted or partly granted, in the indexed decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 A25031890.
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.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran's respiratory conditions, including pulmonary hypertension and hypoxia (claimed as asbestosis), are related to his service exposure. However, due to potential additional exposures during civilian employment, a remand is required for further examination and opinion.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the AOJ erred in not obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's in-service exposure to herbicide agents caused his cardiogenic shock, valvular heart disease, and/or pulmonary hypertension. The case is being remanded for this purpose.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's essential hypertension and pulmonary hypertension are aggravated by his service-connected cardiac arrhythmia.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the cause of death due to the Veteran's service-connected cardiac disability, and dismissed the DIC claim as moot.
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