The Veteran's dysphagia disability picture more closely approximates severe stricture of the esophagus, and a 50 percent rating is granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's dysphagia requires him to modify his eating habits and results in intermittent episodes of food becoming lodged in his throat, causing coughing, vomiting, and bloodshot eyes. These symptoms are more consistent with severe stricture than moderate stricture.
- Claimed conditions
- Dysphagia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 18, 2021
- Citation
- 21069568
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 21069568.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 denied a compensable rating for the Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia and dysphagia, finding that there was no documented history of esophageal stricture requiring daily medications to control dysphagia.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Inclusion Body Myositis with Dysphagia, finding that the Veteran's condition was caused by toxic exposures during his military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's need for personal care services and whether participation in PCAFC would be beneficial. The VA will obtain an opinion from CEAT on these matters.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's significant other, R.W., has applied for enrollment in the PCAFC program. The AOJ denied eligibility due to a lack of evidence supporting personal care needs and supervision requirements based on the December 19, 2022 Veteran Functional Assessment Instrument. The Board finds this decision inadequate and requires a new medical opinion addressing the criteria for eligibility.
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