The Veteran's claim for service connection for herpes simplex virus is denied as there is no persuasive evidence of an in-service onset.,Service connection for the Pfannenstiel incision (scar) associated with herpes simplex virus is also denied due to lack of a link between the scar and any service-connected disability or disease.,The Veteran's GERD is not rated higher than 10 percent as it does not meet criteria for more severe manifestations such as persistent epigastric distress, pyrosis, substernal pain, or arm/shoulder pain.,For thoracolumbar IVDS with arthritis prior to December 11, 2019, the Veteran's disability is rated at 10 percent due to limitations in range of motion and no additional functional loss during flare-ups.,From December 11, 2019 onwards, the Veteran's thoracolumbar IVDS with arthritis warrants a rating of 40 percent as it results in more severe limitation of motion than before.,Right hip arthritis is rated at 10 percent due to limited range of motion and ability to cross legs. Left hip arthritis is also rated at 10 percent for similar reasons.,Bilateral corneal dystrophy with dry eye syndrome does not warrant a compensable rating as it only results in visual acuity impairment up to 20/40 bilaterally.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy and sensorimotor neuropathy prior to December 11, 2019 is rated at 10 percent due to mild incomplete paralysis. From that date onwards, it warrants a rating of 20 percent for moderate incomplete paralysis.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings are denied as the evidence does not support additional functional loss or impairment beyond what is already accounted for in her current disability ratings.
The deciding factor: The Board found no persuasive medical evidence to support an in-service onset of herpes simplex virus and thus denied service connection. The other issues were evaluated based on the severity of the Veteran's disabilities as supported by medical records.
- Claimed conditions
- Herpes Simplex Virus, Pfannenstiel incision (scar) associated with herpes simplex virus, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Thoracolumbar intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with arthritis, Right hip arthritis, Left hip arthritis, Bilateral corneal dystrophy with dry eye syndrome, Left lower extremity radiculopathy and sensorimotor neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 28, 2022
- Citation
- 22011259
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 22011259.
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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