The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for the service-connected duodenal ulcer, finding that the Veteran's condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on recurrent episodes or moderate to severe manifestations.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran had at worst recurring episodes of symptoms averaging one to nine days per year and continuous abdominal pain relieved by standard therapy. There were no incapacitating episodes as required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Duodenal ulcer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 9, 2020
- Citation
- 20039451
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20039451.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by anoxic encephalopathy and cardiac arrest, with underlying causes related to his service-connected duodenal ulcer. The cause of death is remanded for further development including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding whether the use of PPIs contributed to his heart condition or aggravated it.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied entitlement to a finding of total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based on the Veteran's service-connected conditions prior to July 8, 2021.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher disability rating and TDIU, as his duodenal ulcer symptoms were no more than mild in severity throughout the period on appeal.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted basic eligibility for nonservice-connected pension based on the Veteran's wartime service requirement, finding the Veteran was discharged during a period of war for a service-connected disability (duodenal ulcer). The Board remanded the case for adjudication of whether the Veteran meets the income and net worth requirements for entitlement to pension benefits.
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