The Board finds that the appellant's duodenal ulcer disability is currently manifested by complaints of gastrointestinal discomfort, bloating and gassiness. The medical evidence does not show severe symptoms such as recurrent hematemesis or melena, nor does it indicate weight loss or incapacitating episodes averaging at least 10 days per month for four or more months. Therefore, the claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.
The deciding factor: The appellant's duodenal ulcer disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as defined by Diagnostic Code 7305 due to lack of severe symptoms such as recurrent hematemesis or melena and weight loss, nor does it show incapacitating episodes averaging at least 10 days per month for four or more months.
- Claimed conditions
- duodenal ulcer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 8, 2004
- Citation
- 0414673
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 0414673.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted a rating of 60 percent from January 27, 2016 to July 7, 2022 for the Veteran's duodenal ulcer, duodenitis, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Granted
The Board granted a disability rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for the Veteran's service-connected gastritis and duodenal ulcer.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for degenerative intervertebral disc and duodenal ulcer, as well as the TDIU claim, due to inadequate medical opinions.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for fibromyalgia, duodenal ulcer, and PTSD with TBI, but granted service connection for left ear hearing loss disability.
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