The Board granted an initial rating of 10 percent for GERD and denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left knee disability, low back disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right shoulder disability, respiratory disability, sleep apnea, and scars. Service connection was granted for irritable bowel syndrome, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and MDD), headache disability as secondary to PTSD/MDD, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD/MDD.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's GERD symptoms more closely approximate two or more of the criteria for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7346. However, there is no evidence supporting a higher rating due to considerable or severe impairment of health.

Claimed conditions

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Acquired Psychiatric Disorder, to include Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Headache Disability, Erectile Dysfunction, Low Back Disability, Bilateral Plantar Fasciitis, Right Shoulder Disability, Respiratory Disability, Sleep Apnea, Scars located on right hand, left knee, and right calf

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

Burn pits / airborne hazards

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

January 31, 2025

Citation

A25009069

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