The VA denied service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, characterized as Barrett's Esophagus, claimed as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The most probative medical opinion found no medical nexus between the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disorder and his service-connected PTSD.
The deciding factor: A VA examiner concluded that there is not at least as likely as not that the Veteran's chronic gastrointestinal condition, including Barrett's Esophagus, is caused by or related to the medications used for treatment of his service-connected PTSD.
- Claimed conditions
- Barrett's Esophagus
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 2, 2011
- Citation
- 1132547
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1132547.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for GERD, pancreatitis, kidney disease, and Barrett's Esophagus as the evidence did not support a nexus between these conditions and the Veteran's active service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for GERD, Barrett's esophagus, hypertension, and tension headaches as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for Barrett's Esophagus and GERD to obtain a new VA examination that adequately considers the Veteran's lay statements regarding his experiences in and out of service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, Barrett's Esophagus, left knee, and right hip disabilities due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The VA examinations are needed to address the nature and etiology of these conditions.
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