The Veteran's initial disability rating for GERD and diverticulosis with Schatzki's ring was granted at a 60 percent level. The noncompensable rating for esophagal stricture prior to August 29, 2023 was denied. A 50 percent rating for the period from August 29, 2023 to October 3, 2023 and a noncompensable rating thereafter were granted. The Veteran's cervical spine condition received an initial disability rating of 20 percent. His right and left upper extremity radiculopathy each received an initial disability rating of 20 percent. The lumbar spine condition was initially rated at 20 percent prior to March 23, 2016 and denied a higher rating thereafter.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's GERD symptoms were found to be productive of severe impairment of health, warranting the highest schedular rating allowed under DC 7346 (GERD). The esophagal stricture was rated based on its severity, with a noncompensable rating prior to August 29, 2023 and a 50 percent rating from that date until October 3, 2023. His cervical spine condition received an initial disability rating of 20 percent under DC 4.71a (cervical spine arthritis). The right and left upper extremity radiculopathy each received an initial disability rating of 20 percent under DC 8510 (radiculopathy of the upper extremities). The lumbar spine condition was initially rated at 20 percent prior to March 23, 2016 and denied a higher rating thereafter.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- February 26, 2024
- Citation
- 24009203
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 24009203.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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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