The Board has remanded the claims for an increased rating for a lumbar spine disability, entitlement to TDIU, and service connection for GERD. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being examined again due to incomplete range of motion testing in previous examinations. The claim for TDIU requires additional information from the Veteran regarding his employment history. A VA examination is needed to determine if GERD is related to a service-connected condition or medication.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was an absence of medical evidence during certain periods and ordered new examinations to address these gaps in the record, including for range of motion testing on the lumbar spine disability. The TDIU claim requires additional information from the Veteran regarding his employment history. A VA examination is needed to determine if GERD is related to a service-connected condition or medication.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 9, 2022
- Citation
- 22033835
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 22033835.
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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