The Board denied service connection for Barrett’s esophagus, finding that the evidence does not support a link between the condition and service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
The deciding factor: There is no competent or credible evidence showing that the Veteran experienced an in-service esophageal related disability or complaints of one. The first mention of Barrett’s esophagus was following a diagnosis of GERD, which occurred over 40 years post service.
- Claimed conditions
- Barrett’s esophagus
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- Camp Lejeune water
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 15, 2019
- Citation
- 19162906
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 19162906.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's GERD/Barrett’s esophagus is related to his military service, including as due to a service-connected duodenal ulcer.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of Barrett’s esophagus was dismissed due to the death of the claimant.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's Barrett’s esophagus is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to his service, specifically the period of service at Camp Lejeune where he was exposed to contaminated water.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, IBS, hiatal hernia, and gastritis. The decision finds that the Veteran's symptoms began in service and are at least as likely as not related to his active duty.
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