The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including Barrett’s esophagus, GERD, stomach polyps, and colon polyps. The Veteran contends these conditions are related to his service in Vietnam, specifically exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange.
The deciding factor: The Board found that a VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including whether they are related to his service in Vietnam, specifically exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange.
- Claimed conditions
- Barrett’s esophagus, GERD (Gastroesophageal Disorder), stomach polyps, colon polyps
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 16, 2019
- Citation
- 19171803
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 19171803.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, chronic ear infections, chronic allergic rhinitis, colon polyps, squamous cell carcinoma, and chronic headaches (to include as due to sinusitis) based on the lack of current diagnoses.,The Veteran's assertions were not considered competent evidence regarding his claimed conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for bruising due to lack of a current diagnosis. The claims for breast tumors, gall bladder condition, and colon polyps are remanded as the evidence does not include an opinion on their relationship to active duty service or any toxic exposures.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for a headache disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and an esophageal condition are granted. The claim for service connection for a chronic fatigue disability is denied. The claim for a compensable evaluation for service-connected colon polyps is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for colon polyps and a rating greater than 10 percent for a nonlinear scar on the waist/left hip due to inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's prostate cancer is also service connected, complicating the secondary service connection claim.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.