The Veteran's GERD and hiatal hernia have resulted in considerable impairment of health, warranting a higher initial disability rating of 30 percent. The right wrist ganglion cyst has been asymptomatic throughout the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports showed intermittent symptoms such as chest pain, heartburn, regurgitation, and substernal pain, which are consistent with the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating under DC 7346.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 10, 2018
- Citation
- 1801634
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1801634.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a low back condition, right knee osteoarthritis, and GERD and hiatal hernia to obtain additional medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted an initial rating of 70 percent, but no higher, for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder based on the severity and frequency of symptoms that caused occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension, GERD and hiatal hernia, and tinnitus.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, and his GERD and hiatal hernia are rated at 30 percent. The higher ratings for both conditions were granted.
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