The Veteran's hiatal hernia with reflux and esophagitis is currently rated at 30 percent, effective January 16, 2003. The claim for a higher rating has been denied as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.,The Veteran's right wrist disability is currently rated at 30 percent, effective January 16, 2003. The claim for a higher rating has been denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis or other severe impairment that would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5214.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, effective January 16, 2003. The claim for a higher rating has been denied as the evidence does not show limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5235-5243.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on the symptoms and limitations described in the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- hiatal hernia with reflux and esophagitis, right wrist disability, thoracolumbar spine disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20061609
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 20061609.
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: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, left knee, right knee, right wrist, headaches, and sleep disturbances as there is no persuasive evidence of current disabilities during the appeal period.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities due to a predecisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's past medical history needs to be considered in the new examination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been received for the Veteran's claims of lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, RLE sciatica, LLE sciatica, right wrist disability, left wrist disability, hypothyroidism, alopecia, and solar urticaria. These claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew her appeals for the service connection of multiple conditions, including low back disability, bilateral foot disability, cervical spine disability, migraines, right hand and shoulder disabilities, right wrist disability, asthma (claimed as Gulf War Syndrome), chronic fatigue syndrome, dysmenorrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and sleep disability. As a result, these claims are dismissed.
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