The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including GERD and hiatal hernia, was not incurred in service or due to exposure to herbicide agents. The Board also determined that it is less likely than not that the current gastrointestinal disabilities are secondary to his service-connected psoriasis.
The deciding factor: There is no medical evidence establishing a nexus between the Veteran's diagnosed gastrointestinal disability and his active duty service, including exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam, or any service-connected condition. The VA examiners found insufficient evidence of a direct relationship between the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disabilities and his military service.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 27, 2017
- Citation
- 1729730
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 1729730.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for Dupuytren's contracture of the left hand, right hand, and GERD is remanded due to inadequate VA examination opinions and failure to consider toxic exposure risk activities during service.
- Denied
The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that both conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lower back condition and sinusitis, respectively.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for bladder cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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