The Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD has been rated at 10 percent since June 2014. The Board has determined that the current evidence supports a higher rating of 30 percent, but remanded for further development due to new information indicating worsening symptoms.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner confirmed the diagnosis of hiatal hernia and GERD, noting persistent symptoms including heartburn, reflux, regurgitation, and pain radiating into the chest and shoulder. The Veteran reported that his symptoms have worsened since the last examination.
- Claimed conditions
- hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 10, 2019
- Citation
- 19177941
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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