The Board has decided to remand the claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to a lack of toxic exposure risk activity memorandum and incomplete assessment in the provided medical opinion. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining a TERA memorandum, providing an addendum opinion from the March 2021 VA examiner, and determining the etiology of GERD with consideration of service-connected right knee patellofemoral syndrome and back strain.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to determine the cause of the Veteran's GERD due to a lack of toxic exposure risk activity memorandum and an incomplete assessment in the provided medical opinion, particularly regarding NSAID usage and aggravation by service-connected right knee patellofemoral syndrome and back strain.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 13, 2024
- Citation
- A24046083
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A24046083.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
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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