The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability was denied as the evidence did not show that his forward flexion or combined range of motion met the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for GERD was also denied because there is clear and unmistakable evidence that the condition preexisted service and did not worsen during service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability, as manifested by his range of motion, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.,There was no increase in disability due to aggravation during service, as evidenced by the absence of treatment records indicating worsening of GERD symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 7, 2021
- Citation
- 21001091
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 21001091.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder disability, abdominal hernia, GERD, bilateral ankle disabilities, and bilateral foot disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during the appellant's period of active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for sinusitis and remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic lower back pain, right knee pain, left knee pain, neck pain, and GERD.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy and denied the claims for right knee disability, erectile dysfunction, GERD, sleep apnea, and hypertension. The decision is remanded for further action on these issues.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.
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