Entitlement to an initial 10 percent rating, but no higher, for hypertension (HTN) during the period on appeal prior to January 14, 2022, is granted.

Board reasoning

The Board determined that the Veteran's HTN manifested with diastolic readings around 100 and required ongoing medication, but did not meet the higher thresholds for a 20% or greater rating. It found the medical evidence prior to January 14, 2022, predominantly showed diastolic pressure under 110 and systolic under 200, with the January 2022 exam showing lower readings, and thus a 10% rating best approximates the disability picture for that period.