The Veteran's hypertension rating was reduced from 20% to 10%, effective June 9, 2023. Ratings for hypertension prior to and after this date were denied.,The reduction of the separate 30% rating for hypothyroidism to a combined 10% rating with xerosis cutis was granted. The Veteran's PTSD rating was granted at 70%.,Ratings for CAD, aortic stenosis, diastolic dysfunction, and left atrium dilation were denied.,The Veteran's hearing loss was denied a compensable rating.

The deciding factor: The reduction of the hypertension rating to 10% was proper as it demonstrated sustained improvement in the condition.,The criteria for ratings in excess of 20% for hypertension prior to June 9, 2023, and in excess of 10% thereafter were not met.,The reduction of the separate hypothyroidism rating to a combined 10% was proper as it demonstrated initial diagnosis followed by service connection more than six months later.,The criteria for ratings in excess of 10% for hypothyroidism with xerosis cutis were not met.,The criteria for ratings in excess of 60% for CAD, aortic stenosis, diastolic dysfunction, and left atrium dilation were not met.,The criteria for a rating of 70% for PTSD were met as the Veteran's symptoms warranted such a rating.,The Veteran's hearing loss did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

Claimed conditions

hypertension, hypothyroidism with xerosis cutis, coronary artery disease (CAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating

Not verified here — check the original decision

Decision date

April 16, 2026

Citation

A26035871

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 A26035871.