The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for DDD of the lumbar spine prior to February 4, 2009 was denied. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation based on limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes. For the period since February 4, 2009, the Veteran's claim for GERD service connection was remanded.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no objective findings of radiculopathy in the right lower extremity and opined that the Veteran's current right leg pain was secondary to his DDD of the lumbar spine. However, there were conflicting opinions from other medical providers regarding the presence of radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 19, 2010
- Citation
- 1031191
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 1031191.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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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