The Board has determined that additional development is needed to adjudicate the claims for service connection for GERD, degenerative joint disease of the left hip, and left knee medial meniscus tear as secondary to service-connected right knee arthritis and right hip arthritis. The VA examinations conducted in May 2020 are inadequate for adjudication purposes due to insufficient addressing of whether these conditions are aggravated by poor biomechanics caused by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the May 2020 VA examination opinions were not sufficient as they did not adequately address whether the Veteran's left hip and knee conditions were aggravated by poor biomechanics due to his service-connected right knee arthritis and right hip arthritis.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Degenerative joint disease of the left hip, Left knee medial meniscus tear
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21067361
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 21067361.
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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