The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and treatment records showed recurrent epigastric distress, dysphagia, reflux, regurgitation, substernal pain, sleep disturbance caused by esophageal reflux at least four or more times per year lasting less than a day, nausea at least four times per year lasting less than a day, and vomiting at least four times per year lasting less than a day. However, the VA examiners found that these symptoms were not productive of considerable or severe impairment of health.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 30, 2024
- Citation
- A24070314
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 344 · Granted: 11% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 A24070314.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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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