The Veteran's esophageal motility disorder and hiatal hernia with GERD have been rated based on their severity, resulting in a 50% rating for the period prior to October 1, 2013. For the entire appeal period, he is entitled to an effective date of October 1, 2013, for his TDIU.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's esophageal motility disorder and hiatal hernia with GERD have been rated based on their severity under the appropriate diagnostic codes. The effective date has been set at October 1, 2013, as this is the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability was warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- Esophageal Motility Disorder with Stricture, Dysphagia and Odynophagia, Hiatal Hernia with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- August 4, 2016
- Citation
- 1631153
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 1631153.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a separate 10 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) from July 28, 2024, but denied a higher rating. The Board also denied an increased rating for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a 60 percent disability rating from September 12, 2022, for hiatal hernia with GERD. The appeal was denied for hypertension.
- Granted
The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease are rated at a maximum of 60 percent from March 29, 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the nature, severity, and etiology of his service-connected PTSD prior to December 10, 2019; right foot fifth metatarsal fracture; hiatal hernia with GERD; erectile dysfunction; and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims are also remanded for additional opinions regarding the relationship between his nonservice-connected psychiatric disabilities and his service-connected PTSD.
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.