The Veteran's claim for service connection for Barrett's disease is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his condition. The issue of service connection for reflux esophagitis or any gastrointestinal condition remains pending in the legacy system.
The deciding factor: The Board finds that the Veteran should have been provided with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his Barrett's disease, given his current diagnosis, STRs showing symptoms during service, and assertions regarding their onset. The absence of a diagnosis in service is not fatal to a service connection claim.
- Claimed conditions
- Barrett's disease, reflux esophagitis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 7, 2024
- Citation
- A24023621
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 A24023621.
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 Board has found that the Veteran's GERD, esophageal stricture, and reflux esophagitis are less likely related to service due to a negative VA opinion. However, the Veteran contends his condition is related to exposure to burn pits during Southwest Asia operations. The Board also notes there is conflicting evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's alcohol use disorder. Therefore, the case is being remanded for further examination and analysis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for Barrett's disease, also claimed as GERD and acid reflux, to obtain a VA nexus opinion.
- Dismissed
The appeal for an increased rating for reflux esophagitis with mild chronic gastritis and bleeding ulcer was dismissed due to the untimely filing of the Board Appeal request.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeal for revision of the evaluation of hiatal hernia, with gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, reflux esophagitis, and ineffective esophageal peristalsis.
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