The Veteran's service connection for GERD was granted, while the claims for a low back disability and increased ratings for unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress with bruxism were denied. The rating for the psychiatric condition was increased to 70 percent effective May 10, 2024.
The deciding factor: The evidence supported service connection for GERD as it was caused by the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disability, but there was insufficient evidence linking the low back disability or the psychiatric symptoms to in-service events. The psychiatric rating increase reflected a more severe level of impairment post May 10, 2024.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Low Back Disability, Unspecified Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress with Bruxism
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- December 3, 2025
- Citation
- A25104091
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
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.