The Veteran's hypertension did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as his blood pressure readings were consistently below the threshold required under VA regulations.,Service connection for major depression was denied because it is considered to be part of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, bipolar disorder, and alcohol use disorder.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show a distinct diagnosis of major depression separate from the Veteran’s service-connected conditions. The VA examination confirmed that his current mental health diagnoses included PTSD, bipolar disorder, and alcohol use disorder, with no separate diagnosis of major depression.,The criteria for direct service connection were met as there was no evidence showing an in-service incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury leading to the diagnosed condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Hypertension, Major Depression
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 24, 2026
- Citation
- A26016656
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 A26016656.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim of service connection for hypertension, finding that it did not manifest during service and is not causally related to the Veteran's exposure to herbicides or service.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, Major Depression, and Panic Disorder due to his withdrawal of these issues prior to a decision being made.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active duty service or herbicide exposure.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
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