The Veteran's appeal for higher initial disability ratings for his service-connected gastrointestinal and sinus conditions was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his GI disorder, as it did not meet the criteria for a 60 percent evaluation under DC 7346. For his sinusitis, there were no incapacitating episodes or non-incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of GERD and IBS did not warrant a higher than 30 percent rating as they did not meet the criteria for a 60 percent evaluation under DC 7346. For his sinusitis, there were no incapacitating episodes or non-incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Sinusitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 21, 2009
- Citation
- 0914922
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 0914922.
What this means for you
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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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