For the period prior to August 15, 2003, the veteran's GERD was asymptomatic and well-controlled. After this date, symptoms of regurgitation and pyrosis were noted but did not meet criteria for a higher rating.,The veteran's diabetes mellitus required insulin and a restricted diet but did not restrict his activities. The disability due to status postoperative bilateral bunionectomies with flat feet was rated at 30 percent, as there was no evidence of marked pronation or inward displacement.
The deciding factor: The veteran's GERD symptoms were not severe enough to warrant a higher rating prior to August 15, 2003. Since then, his symptoms have been manageable with medication and diet changes. His diabetes mellitus did not require more than the current 20 percent rating due to its management through insulin and dietary restrictions. The veteran's foot disability was rated at 30 percent as there was no evidence of marked pronation or inward displacement.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Diabetes Mellitus, Status Postoperative Bilateral Bunionectomies with Flat Feet
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 11, 2007
- Citation
- 0731995
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0731995.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted a 70% rating, effective July 15, 2024. The Veteran's GERD remains at a 10% rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's appeal was granted for various disabilities, including service connection for depressive disorder and increased evaluations for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting multiple nerve groups. A SMC based on need for aid and attendance was also awarded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating prior to July 29, 2024. The GERD rating remains at 30 percent disabled but no higher.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's IBS with GERD was granted an initial 60 percent rating. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and development.
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