The Board granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD and 40 percent for lumbosacral strain, but denied service connection for hypertension.
The deciding factor: The evidence supported the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and lumbosacral strain due to the severity of his symptoms, while there was insufficient evidence linking his hypertension to in-service toxic exposure.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic headaches, Hypertension, to include as due to in-service toxic exposure, Lumbosacral strain, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Restless leg syndrome, left extremity, Restless leg syndrome, right extremity, Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Tremors of the hand, left extremity, Tremors of the hands, right extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- November 10, 2025
- Citation
- A25097597
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,549 · Granted: 29% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A25097597.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the (o) rate and SMC at the (r)(2) rate, effective January 19, 2025. The decision finds that the Veteran's service-connected conditions warrant these awards due to his need for aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for traumatic brain injury and migraine headaches due to right eye removal are granted. The claim for a compensable evaluation of xeroderma of the right eye is remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has identified a contradiction in the AOJ's determinations regarding the Veteran's need for aid and assistance, which requires clarification. The remanded issues are entitlement to SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another and on the basis of statutory housebound status.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and earlier effective date for PTSD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeal.
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