The Veteran's GERD with diarrhea was granted an initial evaluation of 30 percent, effective September 4, 2007. The lumbar spine disability received a separate 10 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome and a 20 percent rating for degenerative disc disease. Left leg radiculopathy received a 30 percent evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's GERD with diarrhea was found to meet the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation based on symptoms including pain, occasional vomiting, dysphagia, and daily episodes of diarrhea following each meal. The lumbar spine disability met the criteria for a separate 10 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome due to its manifestations. Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was rated at 20 percent based on forward flexion limited to no less than 50 degrees with resistance and after repetition, without ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. Left leg radiculopathy received a 30 percent evaluation as it manifested mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Left leg radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 30, 2013
- Citation
- 1303063
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 1303063.
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
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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