The Veteran's service connection for hypertension, lumbar spine condition, and PTSD are granted. The hypertension is granted as directly related to military service based on toxic exposure risk activity in Southwest Asia Theater of Operations. The lumbar spine condition is granted due to the Veteran's combat service. The PTSD is granted with a 70 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports that the current disabilities are related to service, either through direct causation or as a result of toxic exposure risk activities in Southwest Asia Theater of Operations for hypertension and lumbar spine condition, and due to combat service for PTSD. The Veteran's symptoms align with the criteria for a 70 percent rating under the DSM-5.
- Claimed conditions
- hypertension, lumbar spine condition (specifically herniated discs), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- March 9, 2026
- Citation
- A26020784
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 A26020784.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
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