The Board has determined that the veteran's digestive system disability, which includes a small hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease, is currently manifested by epigastric distress with dysphagia when he is not on medication. The evidence does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent under the applicable rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The veteran's digestive system disability picture more nearly approximates a 20 percent evaluation, as there is no medical evidence showing moderately severe duodenal ulcer or persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation accompanied by substernal or arm/shoulder pain producing considerable impairment of health.
- Claimed conditions
- duodenal ulcer disease, hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 16, 2000
- Citation
- 0030068
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0030068.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for esophageal stricture and gastroesophageal reflux disease due to a failure to obtain a medical opinion regarding the latter condition. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining such an opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate development of her exposure history and lack of adequate medical opinions. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for gastroesophageal reflux disease and obstructive sleep apnea have been withdrawn, and the claims are dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU rating is granted with an effective date of March 15, 2017.
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