The Board finds that the veteran's back disorder and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) do not meet the criteria for service connection or a higher initial disability rating, respectively. The evidence does not establish a current disability related to service, nor does it show symptoms of significant impairment warranting a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support a finding that the veteran's back disorder is causally related to his military service and there is no objective evidence of a current disability. The veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD causes some discomfort but does not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- back disorder, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 12, 2001
- Citation
- 0124567
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 0124567.
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.
- Dismissed
The veteran withdrew the appeal for all service connection and rating issues, and the Board has no jurisdiction to review these matters.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen claims for service connection for a back disorder and tinnitus, as new and material evidence was not submitted.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for pes planus (flat feet) and remanded several other issues, including service connection for various disorders and increased ratings for the right knee. The Board granted a 20 percent rating for right knee instability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for residuals status post cholecystectomy, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea to obtain additional evidence.
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