The Veteran's GERD is not service-connected.,Prior to October 25, 2016, the Veteran's lumbar disability was rated at 20 percent and denied an increased rating.,Effective from August 26, 2009, for right lower extremity radiculopathy.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: Service connection was not established as the evidence did not show a causal relationship between service and GERD. The September 2015 VA examination indicated that the Veteran’s GERD was less likely than not incurred in or caused by service.,The lumbar disability prior to October 25, 2016, met the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5242. The examiner noted no evidence of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees or favorable ankylosis.,The effective date was set at August 26, 2009, as the Veteran had a history of radicular symptoms prior to this date and filed his lumbar disability claim on that same day. The Board found reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran's claim for earlier effective date.,The right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 20 percent based on moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, as evidenced by pain, paresthesia, and occasional weakness.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Lumbar disability, Right lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 15, 2018
- Citation
- 18102527
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 18102527.
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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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