The Board denied service connection for hypertension, a higher rating for PTSD, and the reduction in rating for lumbosacral strain. The claims for service connection for GERD, erectile dysfunction, headaches, and higher ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy were remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of hypertension or sufficient symptoms to warrant a 100% rating for PTSD. The reduction in the lumbosacral strain rating was improper due to an inadequate examination and lack of material improvement.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), lumbosacral strain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erectile dysfunction, headaches, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 24, 2025
- Citation
- A25054519
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.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of October 21, 2021, for the grant of service connection for hypertension.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a compensable rating for left ear hearing loss, service connection for right ear hearing loss, and bilateral vision condition was dismissed. Service connection for hypertension, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease was denied.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and pernicious anemia, and the Board dismissed both appeals.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including prostate cancer and related disabilities, urinary incontinence, sleep apnea, hypertension, varicose veins, lumbar spine disability, hip arthritis, shoulder arthritis, ankle arthritis, knee strain, knee replacement, and hand arthritis. The only condition granted was a 10 percent rating for a fracture of the right proximal first metacarpal.
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