The Veteran's right fourth finger fracture is currently rated noncompensably disabling, as the disability does not meet criteria for a compensable rating.,For GERD prior to November 15, 2019, the Veteran was granted an initial noncompensable rating. The Board found no evidence of symptoms warranting a higher evaluation.,Beginning November 15, 2019, the Veteran's GERD is rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board noted that while the Veteran has infrequent episodes of epigastric distress and vomiting, these do not meet criteria for a higher rating.,For migraine headaches prior to November 15, 2019, the Veteran was granted an initial noncompensable rating. The Board found no evidence of prostrating attacks warranting a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The right fourth finger fracture does not meet criteria for a compensable rating due to lack of functional impairment beyond what is contemplated by the assigned Diagnostic Code.,For GERD prior to November 15, 2019, there was no evidence of symptoms warranting a higher evaluation. The Veteran's treatment plan did not include continuous medication and his symptoms were infrequent.,Beginning November 15, 2019, the Veteran's GERD is rated as 10 percent disabling based on infrequent episodes of epigastric distress and vomiting. These do not meet criteria for a higher rating.,For migraine headaches prior to November 15, 2019, there was no evidence of prostrating attacks warranting a higher evaluation. The Veteran's symptoms were described as infrequent.
- Claimed conditions
- Right fourth finger fracture, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Migraine headaches
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 17, 2023
- Citation
- 23002694
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 23002694.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
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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