The Board has determined that there is no direct service connection for Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were caused by or aggravated by service. The Veteran's esophageal problems are more likely due to his obesity, prior smoking, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which he had before service.
The deciding factor: The medical opinion concluded that the most probable cause of the Veteran's esophageal adenocarcinoma was his Barrett's esophagus, which developed from his esophageal reflux disease. The exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is not considered a contributing factor in the development of these conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Barrett's esophagus, adenocarcinoma of the esophagus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 12, 2017
- Citation
- 1716260
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 1716260.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's prostate disability. The claims for esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus remain denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's increased rating claim for GERD with Barrett's esophagus should be remanded due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error and regulatory or statutory duties.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, and arrhythmia are remanded due to pre-decisional errors in obtaining necessary medical opinions.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Barrett's esophagus and a compensable disability rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease has been dismissed as the appellant requested to withdraw his appeals.
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