The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including duodenal ulcer with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as it does not involve moderately severe disease with impairment of health manifested by anemia and weight loss or recurrent incapacitating episodes averaging ten days or more in duration at least four or more times a year.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show that the Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disability caused anemia, weight loss, recurrent incapacitating episodes, or persistent symptoms with considerable impairment of health.
- Claimed conditions
- duodenal ulcer with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 19, 2013
- Citation
- 1326392
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 1326392.
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.
- Partly granted
The veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for hemorrhoids, a scar, and duodenal ulcer with GERD were denied. The claim for service connection for a stroke was remanded for further examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to care for many daily personal needs and protect himself from the hazards of his daily environment without the assistance of another person, warranting SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his duodenal ulcer with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical spine and upper extremity conditions, render him unemployable due to his physical limitations.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.