The Veteran's sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, and GERD with sliding hiatal hernia were not rated higher than the current disability ratings due to lack of evidence supporting more severe manifestations.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show chronic respiratory failure or cor pulmonale for sleep apnea; no polyps or greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages for allergic rhinitis; and, no symptoms warranting a higher rating for GERD with sliding hiatal hernia.
- Claimed conditions
- Sleep Apnea, Allergic Rhinitis, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD) with sliding hiatal hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 11, 2020
- Citation
- 20078490
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 20078490.
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.
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- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling prior to September 16, 2024 and noncompensable thereafter. The Board found the evidence against finding that his condition met the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Veteran's asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's sleep apnea claim has been remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
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