The Veteran's initial 60 percent rating for Meniere's disease is granted effective prior to December 19, 2019.,An initial 30 percent rating for GERD is granted effective December 19, 2019. The Veteran’s service-connected left knee strain receives an initial 20 percent rating effective the same date. An initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and inguinal hernia status-post surgical repair are denied.,The Veteran's service-connected Meniere's disease is manifested by hearing impairment with vertigo more than once weekly, warranting a 60 percent rating prior to December 19, 2019. GERD symptoms include persistently recurrent epigastric distress, reflux, regurgitation, substernal pain, and nausea, leading to a 30 percent rating effective December 19, 2019.,Left knee strain is manifested by frequent episodes of joint locking and joint pain, resulting in a 20 percent rating effective December 19, 2019. Allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it does not result in greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides.,The Veteran's inguinal hernia is not manifested by any compensable disability.

The deciding factor: The evidence supports an initial 60 percent rating for Meniere's disease prior to December 19, 2019, based on the severity of symptoms and physical examination findings.,An initial 30 percent rating for GERD is granted effective December 19, 2019, due to persistent symptoms including reflux, regurgitation, substernal pain, and nausea. The Veteran's service-connected left knee strain receives a higher initial 20 percent rating effective the same date.,The Veteran’s allergic rhinitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it does not result in greater than 50 percent obstruction of the nasal passage on both sides, despite his complaints and treatment history.,The Veteran's inguinal hernia is not manifested by any compensable disability.

Claimed conditions

Meniere's disease, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Left knee strain, Allergic rhinitis, Inguinal hernia, status-post surgical repair

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

60%

Decision date

December 10, 2020

Citation

20078466

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 20078466.