The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of evidence showing an increase in disability before the effective dates assigned.,An earlier effective date is not granted as there is no indication that an increase occurred prior to the effective dates assigned.
The deciding factor: There was no evidence of an increase in disability before the effective dates assigned for service connection and increased rating decisions.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired Psychogenic Pain Disorder of the Right Upper Extremity, Hiatal Hernia with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Left Knee Quadriceps Tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 16, 2024
- Citation
- 24008196
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 24008196.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a separate 10 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) from July 28, 2024, but denied a higher rating. The Board also denied an increased rating for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a 60 percent disability rating from September 12, 2022, for hiatal hernia with GERD. The appeal was denied for hypertension.
- Granted
The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease are rated at a maximum of 60 percent from March 29, 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the nature, severity, and etiology of his service-connected PTSD prior to December 10, 2019; right foot fifth metatarsal fracture; hiatal hernia with GERD; erectile dysfunction; and obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran's claims are also remanded for additional opinions regarding the relationship between his nonservice-connected psychiatric disabilities and his service-connected PTSD.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.