The appeal of the proposed reduction from 30 percent to 10 percent for GERD is dismissed. The appeal of a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for low back strain with degenerative changes is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected low back disability did not manifest in forward flexion of 30 degrees or less, even considering additional limitations due to repetitive use over time and during flare-ups. There was no showing of ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes that would warrant rating under the IVDS criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), Low back strain with degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 5, 2026
- Citation
- A26019840
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 A26019840.
What this means for you
A dismissal means the Board did not decide the issue on its merits — usually because it was withdrawn or had become moot. It says more about procedure than about whether a claim like this can win.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent since May 2023. The Board has granted an initial rating of 60 percent for the condition, effective from May 19, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection of sinusitis is dismissed. The appeals for cervical spine disability, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, GERD, and migraine disability are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is being remanded due to an error in the AOJ decision and a need for a hearing.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's GI disorder is related to his service, but the AOJ needs to determine which specific deployment or exposure caused it. The PACT Act requires this determination.
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