The Board granted a higher initial rating of 30 percent for GERD and earlier effective dates for the assignment of higher ratings for degenerative arthritis of the spine to include intervertebral disc syndrome.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's GERD has manifested as persistently recurring epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health. The evidence established that entitlement to a higher rating of 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability arose on April 19, 2022.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Degenerative arthritis of the spine to include intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 23, 2025
- Citation
- A25091691
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