The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, an increased rating for postoperative HNP of the lumbar spine, and a higher rating for dislocation of the left shoulder. The claim for left chest pain due to cardiovascular procedure was not addressed as it did not involve service connection.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support the presence or worsening of GERD during or after service, and there was no medical evidence showing that the veteran's current back disability met the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5293. The VA examinations provided sufficient information to determine that the veteran's symptoms were adequately addressed by the current 40 percent evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD), Postoperative herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) of the lumbar spine, Dislocation left shoulder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 29, 2001
- Citation
- 0102459
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 0102459.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran is not unemployable by reason of his service-connected disabilities, as the evidence shows he is able to secure and follow substantially gainful employment consistent with his work and educational background.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, manifested by infrequent epigastric distress or dyspepsia, has not been shown to be productive of considerable impairment of health. Therefore, the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for GERD have not been met.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's postoperative HNP of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent. The right and left leg weakness disabilities are each rated at 20 percent disabling since November 30, 2007.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's digestive tract disorder and sleep apnea were not found to be related to his military service. The digestive tract disorder was attributed to alcohol abuse, while the sleep apnea was considered a direct result of his military service.
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