The Board has granted an initial 10% evaluation for the veteran's service-connected dysphagia secondary to Schatzki's ring, GERD, and hiatal hernia, finding that his symptoms are predominantly manifested by occasional dysphagia, regurgitation, and abdominal fullness. The disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating under any other diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal disability is primarily characterized by intermittent symptoms such as dysphagia, regurgitation, and abdominal fullness, which are adequately addressed by the current 10% evaluation under DC 7346. The Board found that his overall disability picture does not warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- dysphagia, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), hiatal hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 18, 2006
- Citation
- 0639433
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 0639433.
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
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- Partly granted
The Board granted a 30 percent disability rating for GERD and hiatal hernia, effective March 31, 2020, but denied an earlier effective date and a higher initial rating.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, stage 3 chronic kidney disease, varicose veins of the right lower extremity, and varicose veins of the left lower extremity as there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's service.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for dysphagia and remanded the claims for residuals from a colon tumor, gallbladder removal, papillary urethral carcinoma, and heart disability due to potential exposure to herbicide agents and ionizing radiation.
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