The Board denied earlier effective dates for the award of service connection for hypertension and CAD, granted a 10 percent evaluation for hypertension, and remanded several other claims.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's hypertension was diagnosed prior to the PACT Act's effective date but did not file a claim within one year. The Board found no basis for an earlier effective date due to the lack of a previous claim or diagnosis before the law's enactment.

Claimed conditions

hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), residuals of skin cancer, to include facial scars, allergic rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lumbar spine disorder, stroke with insomnia

How they argued it

Presumptive (no nexus needed)

Exposure basis

Agent Orange / herbicides

Rating assigned

10%

Decision date

November 21, 2025

Citation

A25101513

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