The Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD is rated at 30 percent, his right knee retropatellar pain syndrome and instability are each rated at 10 percent, and he has a separate 10 percent rating for his right knee scars. These ratings are effective from the date of the claim in June 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD meets the criteria for a 30 percent rating under DC 7346, as he experiences persistent symptoms including substernal pain and considerable impairment of health. The right knee retropatellar pain syndrome and instability each meet the criteria for a 10 percent rating under DCs 5260 and 5257 respectively due to his range of motion limitations and functional loss. His right knee scars are rated at 10 percent based on their size and non-painful nature.
- Claimed conditions
- Hiatal hernia with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Right knee retropatellar pain syndrome, Right knee instability, Right knee scars
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- April 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20026978
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 20026978.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion, instability, and meniscus condition, is now rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2020.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion, instability, and meniscus condition, is now rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the aggravation of a preexisting right knee condition during service. The Veteran's right knee condition was noted prior to service, and the VA examiner concluded it did not worsen beyond its natural progression.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of June 17, 2010 for service connection and separate ratings for right knee instability and left knee instability.
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