The Veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia and GERD were manifested by decreased symptoms of dysphagia and occasional gagging, but did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating from May 30, 2008 to August 3, 2008. From October 17, 2009, his service-connected hiatal hernia, GERD, and IBS were manifested by post-prandial abdominal pain, occasional dysphagia with gagging, recurrent heartburn, intestinal pain or cramping lasting up to two hours, and diarrhea occurring up to several times daily. However, these symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were consistent with a 10 percent evaluation for hiatal hernia and GERD from May 30, 2008 to August 3, 2008, but did not meet the criteria for higher ratings due to lack of significant impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Hiatal Hernia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 27, 2014
- Citation
- 1403513
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 1403513.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted a 70% rating, effective July 15, 2024. The Veteran's GERD remains at a 10% rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating prior to July 29, 2024. The GERD rating remains at 30 percent disabled but no higher.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's IBS with GERD was granted an initial 60 percent rating. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and development.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected IBS and GERD, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable criteria.
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