The Veteran's initial rating for GERD is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The Veteran's back disability is also denied, with an initial rating of 10 percent prior to September 29, 2020, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. Service connection was granted for tinnitus but denied for bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, left knee disability, sleep apnea, and ischemic heart disease.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's GERD symptoms have not resulted in material weight loss or moderate anemia with severe impairment of health, nor has his back disability manifested to the extent that it would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Lumbar degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 27, 2024
- Citation
- 24012972
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 24012972.
What this means for you
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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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