The veteran currently suffers from moderate stricture of the esophagus, and his service-connected hiatal hernia with Schatzki's ring is evaluated as 30 percent disabling. The Board found no evidence that the veteran suffered from severe stricture allowing passage of liquids only, which would warrant a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not demonstrate severe stricture of the esophagus permitting passage of liquids only, which is required for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 7203.
- Claimed conditions
- Schatzki's ring
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- July 26, 2004
- Citation
- 0420280
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 0420280.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's GERD and Schatzki's ring were granted a combined rating of 30 percent, while other claims for increased ratings or service connection were denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, and Schatzki's ring as there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and active service.
- Granted
The Veteran's esophageal disability, characterized by persistent recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, as well as substernal pain, nausea, and vomiting, is granted a 30 percent evaluation.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in his inability to secure and maintain employment consistent with his occupational history, leading to a TDIU.
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