Service connection is granted for cervical strain, OSA secondary to PTSD and GERD, migraines, and GERD. The Veteran's fibromyalgia claim requires further examination.,The Veteran's TMJ disorder requires a higher initial evaluation.
The deciding factor: For cervical strain, the VA examiner found that the onset of the condition during active service is supported by the Veteran's testimony. For OSA, the June 2020 private nurse opinion provided a more comprehensive rationale and cited medical literature to support the conclusion that it was aggravated by PTSD and GERD.,The October 2018 VA examination did not provide sufficient detail on the severity of the Veteran's fibromyalgia symptoms. The TMJ disorder requires further evaluation due to the need for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain (claimed as neck condition), Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), Migraines, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Fibromyalgia, Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2023
- Citation
- A23030344
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 A23030344.
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.
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.