The veteran's service-connected degenerative disc/joint disease of the lumbar spine, Hepatitis C, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were all granted. The initial evaluations for these conditions are as follows: Degenerative disc/joint disease of the lumbar spine rated at 10 percent; Hepatitis C rated at 30 percent; GERD rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc/joint disease of the lumbar spine, Hepatitis C, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), were all granted. The initial evaluations for these conditions are as follows: Degenerative disc/joint disease of the lumbar spine rated at 10 percent; Hepatitis C rated at 30 percent; GERD rated at 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc/joint disease of the lumbar spine, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Hepatitis C
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 14, 2006
- Citation
- 0604237
Veterans Law Judge
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 0604237.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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