The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for stuttering, an increased rating for his anxiety reaction with maturation of paranoid schizophrenia, and a compensable rating for reflux esophagitis. The veteran's stuttering was found to be not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected psychiatric disability. His anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent disabling. His reflux esophagitis is rated at zero percent.
The deciding factor: The November 1998 VA examination did not find any medical nexus between the veteran's stuttering and his service-connected psychiatric disability, thus denying service connection for stuttering. The Board also found that the veteran's anxiety disorder was not aggravated by his service-connected psychiatric disability. For reflux esophagitis, the evidence showed only subjective complaints without definitive X-ray findings or ulcerations/erosions.
- Claimed conditions
- stuttering, anxiety reaction with maturation of paranoid schizophrenia, reflux esophagitis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- July 23, 2001
- Citation
- 0119106
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 0119106.
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 found that the Veteran's GERD, esophageal stricture, and reflux esophagitis are less likely related to service due to a negative VA opinion. However, the Veteran contends his condition is related to exposure to burn pits during Southwest Asia operations. The Board also notes there is conflicting evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's alcohol use disorder. Therefore, the case is being remanded for further examination and analysis.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an increased rating for reflux esophagitis with mild chronic gastritis and bleeding ulcer was dismissed due to the untimely filing of the Board Appeal request.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeal for revision of the evaluation of hiatal hernia, with gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, reflux esophagitis, and ineffective esophageal peristalsis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, sinusitis, diverticulosis and benign neoplasm rectosigmoid junction, GERD and reflux esophagitis, right knee disability, and left knee disability to cure errors in fulfilling VA's duty to assist.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.