The Board denied the veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected GERD with hiatal hernia, as there was no evidence of recurrent esophageal stricture(s) causing dysphagia requiring dilation.
The deciding factor: The probative evidence did not show a documented history of esophageal stricture(s) or the need for dilation 2 or more times per year.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 11, 2025
- Citation
- A25051157
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for diabetic neuropathy of both upper extremities and GERD with hiatal hernia to obtain outstanding medical records.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as well as a TDIU.
- Denied
The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD with hiatal hernia as the Veteran's symptoms did not result in considerable impairment of health.
- Granted
The Board granted an initial rating of 30 percent for GERD with hiatal hernia, effective from February 23, 2021.
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