The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, peptic ulcers, acid reflux and H. Pylori infection is denied as the evidence does not establish a nexus to service or an intercurrent cause. The Veteran also did not meet the criteria for TDIU due to his combined disability evaluation being less than 70%.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence shows that the gastrointestinal disabilities are not related to service and were not shown as chronic in service, did not manifest within a presumptive period, and was not noted in service with attributable continuity of symptomatology. The Veteran's disability is attributed to post-service H. Pylori infection.
- Claimed conditions
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, acid reflux, Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) infection
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19182762
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and pernicious anemia, and the Board dismissed both appeals.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as the appellant does not have a documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s).
- Denied
The Board denied the claims for an initial compensable disability rating for right inguinal hernia surgery and service connection for a low back disability, as well as remanded the claims for service connection for GERD and entitlement to an increased rating for hypertension.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and a right hip disability, and granted a 30 percent rating for ureterolithiasis. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, while other claims were remanded.
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