The Board has determined that the Veteran's current GERD and hiatal hernia did not originate in service or until years later, and is not otherwise etiologically related to his military service. The Board also found that there was no new and material evidence presented to reopen the claim for an inguinal hernia.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service treatment records do not show any complaints of or treatment for regurgitation, acid reflux, or other form of gastrointestinal distress. There is no indication in the medical records that these alleged problems would indicate a chronic problem that has existed for over 30 years. The Board found the Veteran's account of gastrointestinal disability in service and since to lack credibility.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), claimed as hiatal hernia with acid reflux
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 14, 2009
- Citation
- 0938990
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 0938990.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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