The veteran's hiatal hernia with esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, and cholecystitis is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms of epigastric distress, regurgitation, heartburn, and arm pain are consistent with a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7346 for hiatal hernia. The criteria for a 60 percent rating (severe impairment) were not met.
- Claimed conditions
- hiatal hernia, esophagitis, peptic ulcer disease, cholecystitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- April 12, 2000
- Citation
- 0009715
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 0009715.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Partly granted
The Board granted a 30 percent disability rating for GERD and hiatal hernia, effective March 31, 2020, but denied an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for hiatal hernia but denied it for obstructive sleep apnea.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, stage 3 chronic kidney disease, varicose veins of the right lower extremity, and varicose veins of the left lower extremity as there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's service.
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