The Board granted initial ratings of 10 percent for GERD, left inguinal hernia, and right shoulder dislocation and impingement since December 20, 2011. The Veteran's GERD is not shown to be manifested by symptoms that warrant a higher rating. The left inguinal hernia is reasonably shown to be manifested by symptoms consistent with a small postoperative hernia not reasonably reducible. The right shoulder disability is reasonably shown to be manifested by pain and consequent limitation of motion approximately to shoulder level.
The deciding factor: The VA compensation examinations did not show any recurrent or unoperated inguinal hernia, but the Veteran reported constant, severe symptoms that were consistent with a small postoperative hernia not reasonably reducible.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Left Inguinal Hernia, Right Shoulder Dislocation and Impingement
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- December 4, 2017
- Citation
- 1755539
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 1755539.
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.
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.