The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hiatal hernia with esophageal reflux, esophagitis, and pylorus spasm. The issue was remanded multiple times due to additional development needs.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the veteran's service-connected digestive disorder had progressed into hiatal hernia with esophageal reflux, esophagitis, and pylorus spasm, but his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as they were not severe enough to warrant a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- hiatal hernia with esophageal reflux, esophagitis, pylorus spasm
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 26, 2004
- Citation
- 0407995
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 0407995.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted the restoration of a 30 percent rating for esophagitis, effective April 10, 2023, and denied increased ratings for major depressive disorder with anxiety, tinnitus, and epididymitis with chronic scrotal pain.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for esophagitis was withdrawn by the Veteran's attorney.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for esophagitis, GERD, and renal disease, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected hepatitis B with gastritis.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 30 percent rating for esophagitis and earlier effective dates of August 10, 2022 for service connection for chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis based on the PACT Act.
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.