The Board denied service connection for GERD, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to her in-service eating habits and is more likely due to a pre-existing condition. The cervical spine disability was also denied as it did not show an increase in severity during active duty.,Service connection for a cervical spine disability was denied because there was no evidence of aggravation beyond its natural progression during the Veteran's ACDUTRA, and her current condition is not related to any service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran’s GERD or cervical spine disability began during active duty or was aggravated by it. The Veteran's own statements regarding when she first experienced symptoms are inconsistent with her medical records, and there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Cervical spine disability
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 9, 2021
- Citation
- 21021020
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 21021020.
What this means for you
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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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