The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The decision does not specify the exact reasons, but it appears that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.,The Board found no evidence of complete atrophy of both testicles in the case of epididymitis, which resulted in denial of an initial compensable rating. For GERD, there was only one symptom (pyrosis) and no need for continuous medication. Dermatitis required near-constant use of systemic therapy but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7806. The Veteran's sleep disorder claim was denied as his symptoms were subsumed in his service-connected psychiatric disability, and there is no separate diagnosis of sleep apnea or left shoulder disability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.,There was only one symptom (pyrosis) for GERD, which does not warrant a compensable rating. The Veteran's dermatitis required near-constant use of systemic therapy but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7806.,The Veteran's sleep disorder and left shoulder disability were subsumed in his service-connected psychiatric disability, and there is no separate diagnosis of sleep apnea or left shoulder disability.
- Claimed conditions
- epididymitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dermatitis, sleep disorder, other than sleep apnea, left shoulder disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 18, 2023
- Citation
- 23066527
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 23066527.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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 service connection for various conditions, including right shoulder disability, abdominal hernia, GERD, bilateral ankle disabilities, and bilateral foot disabilities. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during the appellant's period of active duty.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for residuals of gallbladder removal and remanded the other claims due to insufficient evidence.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of June 8, 2022 for the award of service connection for a skin disability (dermatitis). This decision is based on the receipt of an intent to file dated June 8, 2022.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's epididymitis was incurred during service and granted service connection for this condition.
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