The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine prior to August 31, 2018 or since then. Service connection was also denied for umbilical hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right elbow strain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee, and hearing loss.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection in all cases due to lack of sufficient medical documentation supporting these claims.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the spine, Umbilical hernia, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Right elbow strain, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee, Meniscal tear with patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee, Hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20032525
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 20032525.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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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