The Veteran's GERD and cervical spine degenerative arthritis were found to not meet the criteria for higher ratings prior to August 19, 2022. The thoracolumbar strain was also found not to meet the criteria for a higher rating as of that date.,Further examination is needed to determine if there are any additional symptoms or functional limitations that warrant higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's GERD and spinal conditions have been rated based on their current manifestations, which do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes. Additional evidence may be necessary to support a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Cervical Spine Degenerative Arthritis, Thoracolumbar Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 5, 2023
- Citation
- 23020799
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 23020799.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted a 70% rating, effective July 15, 2024. The Veteran's GERD remains at a 10% rating.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating prior to July 29, 2024. The GERD rating remains at 30 percent disabled but no higher.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's IBS with GERD was granted an initial 60 percent rating. The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to insufficient medical opinions and development.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected IBS and GERD, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable criteria.
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