The Veteran's cause of death, esophageal cancer, is considered to be related to his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which was incurred in or aggravated by active service.
The deciding factor: A VA medical advisory opinion concluded that the Veteran’s in-service symptoms represented GERD which began in service and contributed to the development of esophageal cancer, a progression of the service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease, Esophageal cancer
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- January 10, 2019
- Citation
- 19102365
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including thoracolumbar and cervical spine conditions, preclude locomotion without the aid of a walker, warranting eligibility for specially adapted housing.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and gastroesophageal reflux disease, both as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding no evidence linking his esophageal cancer to his military service, including exposure to Agent Orange.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the regular need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.
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