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.
The deciding factor: The Board found insufficient evidence linking the Veteran's GERD, esophageal stricture, and reflux esophagitis to service due to a negative VA opinion. However, there are conflicting opinions regarding the etiology of his alcohol use disorder in relation to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- GERD, esophageal stricture, reflux esophagitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 4, 2026
- Citation
- A26019201
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 A26019201.
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 decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA opinion and a need for further examination.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is granted, and the appeal to restore a 40% rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc other than IVDS, central canal stenosis, and scoliosis prior to June 1, 2024 is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a duty-to-assist error, specifically failing to obtain an opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his accidental drowning death.
- Granted
The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 10 percent for GERD, effective May 31, 2019. The Veteran's GERD is currently manifested by infrequent episodes of epigastric distress and pyrosis.
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