Service connection for GERD is granted. The Veteran's myofascial pain, including both the lower and upper back areas, is remanded to determine if it is related to service-connected disabilities or aggravated by them. Service connection for fibromyalgia is also remanded due to incomplete information in the June 2020 VA opinion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's GERD was found to be proximately due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used in treatment for his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities, specifically knee, ankle, wrist, and spine conditions. The myofascial pain is also remanded as the June 2020 VA opinion did not address the upper back area of myofascial pain.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Myofascial pain, Fibromyalgia, Shin splints, Stomach digestive condition
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 14, 2021
- Citation
- 21021956
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 21021956.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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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