The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD and hiatal hernia has been reopened, but the issues of rating for lumbar spine DJD, peripheral neuropathy of left lower extremity, and radicular pain in right lower extremity (claimed as peripheral neuropathy) are still pending. The Board finds that additional evidence is needed to determine the etiology of these conditions.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's claim has been reopened due to new and material evidence received since the last final rating decision. Additional medical opinions are required to address the etiology of his GERD, hiatal hernia, radicular pain in right lower extremity (claimed as peripheral neuropathy), and DJD, lumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Hiatal hernia
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 11, 2020
- Citation
- 20032756
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 20032756.
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.
- 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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