The Board granted a higher initial disability rating of 20 percent for gastrectomy residuals and 10 percent for gastrectomy scars, but denied higher ratings for hypertension, tension headaches, bilateral hearing loss, lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and service connection for an enlarged prostate, GERD, cervical spine pain, and right wrist pain.

The deciding factor: The evidence demonstrated that the gastrectomy residuals more nearly approximated mild symptoms with infrequent episodes of epigastric distress, warranting a higher initial 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7308. The other claims were denied based on the lack of sufficient evidence to establish service connection or entitlement to a higher disability rating.

Claimed conditions

gastrectomy residuals, gastrectomy scars, hypertension, tension headaches, bilateral hearing loss, lumbosacral strain (lumbar spine disability), right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, enlarged prostate, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), cervical spine pain, right wrist pain

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

October 27, 2025

Citation

A25092538

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