Is hypertension considered a chronic disease that can be service-connected within one year post-service?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is considered a chronic disease that can indeed be service-connected. The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes that conditions manifesting after service may have roots in service-related factors. Service connection for hypertension can be established if there is evidence—like a diagnosis of hypertension within one year after discharge—indicating that the condition arose as a result of military service or within the specified timeframe. This recognition underscores the VA's stance on the long-term effects of military service on health, allowing veterans to receive benefits if they meet the appropriate criteria.

The option regarding the necessity of documentation in the service record does not encompass the full scope of establishing service connection for hypertension. While service records can bolster a claim, they are not the sole means of validating the connection between the condition and military service. Additionally, limiting the connection to veterans over 60 disregards the broader context of service connection, as hypertension can affect any veteran at different ages and stages of life. The option asserting "no" simply overlooks the established guidelines for chronic conditions and their eligibility for service connection.