The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims were denied. The rating in excess of 30 percent for major depressive disorder with anxious distress and alcohol use disorder was denied, as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Hypertension and allergic rhinitis were also denied as they did not meet the required diagnostic criteria.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show sufficient impairment to warrant an increased rating for major depressive disorder or hypertension, nor did it demonstrate greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides or complete obstruction on one side for allergic rhinitis.
- Claimed conditions
- Major depressive disorder with anxious distress, Alcohol use disorder, Hypertension, Allergic rhinitis, Cervical spine disorder (cervicalgia and cervicothoracic pain), Generalized anxiety disorder, Lumbar spine disorder (lumbago), Pectoralis strain, Right ankle strain, RUE radiculopathy, RLE radiculopathy, Chronic sinusitis, Epigastric pain, Tension headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 4, 2026
- Citation
- A26019407
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 A26019407.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and has remanded the issue of an increased rating for skin condition.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's initial evaluation for tension headaches to include migraines is granted, with a rating of 50 percent effective from May 23, 2023.
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