The Veteran's initial rating for GERD was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for TDIU was also denied due to the Veteran's ability to perform sedentary work.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's GERD manifested in two or more symptoms but did not reach the level of considerable impairment required for a higher rating under DC 7346, and his other service-connected conditions allowed him to engage in sedentary employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), Fatty liver, Chondromalacia patella (right knee), Chondromalacia patella (left knee)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21067586
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 21067586.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent since May 2023. The Board has granted an initial rating of 60 percent for the condition, effective from May 19, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection of sinusitis is dismissed. The appeals for cervical spine disability, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, GERD, and migraine disability are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is being remanded due to an error in the AOJ decision and a need for a hearing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's GI disorder is related to his service, but the AOJ needs to determine which specific deployment or exposure caused it. The PACT Act requires this determination.
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