The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 13, 2009, for the grant of service connection for hiatal hernia with GERD and Barrett’s esophagus was denied. The Veteran also sought a higher rating for his hiatal hernia with GERD and Barrett’s esophagus, which was denied as well. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7346. The claim for TDIU is remanded due to changes in the record.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s hiatal hernia with GERD and Barrett’s esophagus was rated as 10 percent disabling, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7346 due to lack of dysphagia or considerable impairment of health.
- Claimed conditions
- hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 8, 2019
- Citation
- 19161601
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 19161601.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and pernicious anemia, and the Board dismissed both appeals.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as the appellant does not have a documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s).
- Denied
The Board denied the claims for an initial compensable disability rating for right inguinal hernia surgery and service connection for a low back disability, as well as remanded the claims for service connection for GERD and entitlement to an increased rating for hypertension.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and a right hip disability, and granted a 30 percent rating for ureterolithiasis. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, while other claims were remanded.
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