The Board denied service connection for GERD and anal fistula, finding no current evidence of these conditions. The claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids was also denied.,Service connection for hemorrhoids remains denied as the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of persistent bleeding or fissures.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence did not support the presence of GERD, IBS, anal fistula, or persistent bleeding and anemia in the context of the claim's pendency period. The Veteran’s symptoms were not sufficient to meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7336.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Anal fistula
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 12, 2021
- Citation
- 21008220
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 21008220.
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 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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