The Veteran's GERD and hypothyroidism have been rated based on the severity of their symptoms. The Veteran is not entitled to higher initial disability ratings for these conditions.,For his hypothyroidism, the Veteran was granted a 30 percent rating from August 29, 2007, to October 12, 2009, and denied any increase in rating prior to this period and since October 13, 2009.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's GERD was not manifested by dysphagia prior to March 20, 2009, which is required for a higher initial disability rating. Since March 20, 2009, the evidence does not show moderate anemia or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health.,The Veteran's hypothyroidism was manifested by fatigability and constipation from August 29, 2007, to October 12, 2009. Prior to this period and since October 13, 2009, the evidence does not show both constipation and mental sluggishness.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Hypothyroidism, Sciatica and right hip nerve damage, Sciatica and left hip nerve damage, Low back strain, Left knee patellofemoral syndrome, Right knee patellofemoral syndrome, Traumatic arthritis of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 1, 2018
- Citation
- 18106953
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 18106953.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
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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