The Veteran's GERD and IBS have been primarily manifested by alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more or less constant abdominal distress. The disability is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7319 for irritable colon syndrome.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's GERD has not resulted in significant weight loss, malnutrition, anemia, hematemesis, melena, or impairment of overall health, which would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7346. The predominant disability is IBS, which warrants the current 30 percent evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- November 25, 2011
- Citation
- 1143310
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 1143310.
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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