The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is granted as secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).,The Veteran's left knee pain and instability are granted, with the Board resolving the benefit of doubt in favor of the Veteran.
The deciding factor: The Veteran has a current diagnosis of GERD that was diagnosed within one year of his separation from service. His testimony is credible, and he testified that his symptoms began shortly after his separation due to increased stomach acid caused by PTSD.,The Veteran reported falling on his left knee during the March 1972 injury to his left foot. The Board resolves the benefit of doubt in favor of the Veteran regarding the current left knee pain and instability.
- Claimed conditions
- GERD, left knee pain and instability, cervical condition, lumbar condition, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 24, 2026
- Citation
- A26026483
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 A26026483.
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 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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal regarding the service connection for a lumbar condition and left knee condition, resulting in the dismissal of these issues.
- 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.
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