The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for GERD, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and degenerative joint disease of the thumbs were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran’s symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation based on Diagnostic Code 7346 (hiatal hernia) or other relevant diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Bilateral plantar fasciitis, Left little finger deformity with ankylosis, Degenerative joint disease of the bilateral thumbs
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 13, 2015
- Citation
- 1515710
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 1515710.
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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