The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for GERD and diverticulum of esophagus due to insufficient evidence on the relationship between his service-connected conditions and his current disabilities. The Veteran is requested to undergo a VA examination to determine if his GERD is related to his service-connected psychiatric disorder, esophageal diverticulum, or exposure to airborne pollutants during his Naval Service in the Persian Gulf.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was insufficient evidence on the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected conditions and his current disabilities, specifically GERD. Therefore, a VA examination is needed to determine if any of these factors are related to his GERD.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Diverticulum of esophagus
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- Burn pits / airborne hazards
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20035345
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20035345.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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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