The Board remands the claims for service connection for GERD, right ear hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea to obtain additional medical evidence.
The deciding factor: The May 2022 VA examiner's opinions are inadequate because they rely solely on the absence of objective evidence in the STRs without considering credible reports regarding the onset and recurrence of symptoms since service. Additionally, there is no medical opinion addressing the relationship between the Veteran's conditions and his active service, including his participation in a Toxic Exposure Risk Activity (TERA).
- Claimed conditions
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Right Ear Hearing Loss, Obstructive Sleep Apnea
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 10, 2025
- Citation
- A25012110
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