The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cholecystectomy residuals with GERD and compensable disability rating for cholecystectomy scars is granted. A 10 percent rating is assigned for the Veteran's cholecystectomy residuals with GERD, effective from the date of the decision.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports a 10 percent rating for cholecystectomy residuals with GERD based on symptoms including heartburn and reflux, which meet the criteria under DC 7346. The compensable disability rating for cholecystectomy scars is denied as there are no scars that meet the criteria for a separate rating.
- Claimed conditions
- cholecystectomy residuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), cholecystectomy scar
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 17, 2026
- Citation
- A26014282
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26014282.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for service connection of focal mild squamous epithelial dysplasia and condylomatous changes with atypical squamous metaplasia post total abdominal hysterectomy, gallbladder cholecystectomy, cholecystectomy scar, hypothyroidism, and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on anatomical loss of creative organ. Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (DMII) and anemia was also granted.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a back condition, knee conditions, headaches, and others, as the evidence did not demonstrate that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service, ADT, or IDT.
- Denied
The Veteran's cholecystectomy and associated scars were denied compensable ratings as there was no evidence of current symptoms or residuals related to the procedures.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for the residuals of a stroke and entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The case is being returned for further development.
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