The Board denied service connection for a stomach disability, including IBS and diverticular disease, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and active service.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner concluded that there is no link between the Veteran's service and his diagnosed diverticular disease and/or GERD, noting that the symptoms first appeared over 27 years after military service.
- Claimed conditions
- stomach disability, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), diverticular disease, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 28, 2022
- Citation
- 22004718
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 22004718.
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 Board has remanded the claims for shin splints, right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), stomach disability, and left ear hearing loss due to errors in providing notice of the right to a hearing.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for adenocarcinoma colon (colon cancer) due to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune, but denied service connection for diverticular disease, which the Veteran contends is related to his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including sinusitis, sleep apnea, a stomach disability, left hand carpal tunnel syndrome, right hand carpal tunnel syndrome, and a back disability. The appeals are pending further examination or evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a stomach disability, back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to conflicting evidence regarding their onset and relationship to service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.