Citation Nr: 21024994 Decision Date: 04/27/21 Archive Date: 04/27/21 DOCKET NO. 16-32 219 DATE: April 27, 2021 ORDER Service connection for hiatal hernia is granted. FINDING OF FACT The Veteran’s hiatal hernia incepted while in service. CONCLUSION OF LAW The criteria are met for service connection for hiatal hernia. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.102, 3.303. REASONS AND BASES FOR FINDING AND CONCLUSION The Veteran served on active duty from March 1987 to August 2012. This appeal is from a March 2013 rating decision. The Board remanded this claim in November 2018 for additional development. Service connection for hiatal hernia is granted. Service connection is granted for any current disability that is the result of a disease contracted or an injury sustained while on active duty service. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1110, 1131; 38 C.F.R. § 3.303(a). Service connection requires competent evidence showing: (1) the existence of a present disability; (2) in-service incurrence or aggravation of a disease or injury; and, (3) a causal relationship between the present disability and the disease or injury incurred or aggravated during service. Shedden v. Principi, 381 F.3d 1163, 1167 (Fed. Cir. 2004). A September 2019 treatment record shows the Veteran has a small hiatal hernia. The Veteran was diagnosed with hiatal hernia during service in February 2008. In March 2012, treatment records indicate that he was taking Nexium for GERD and hiatal hernia. The November 2019 VA examination report indicates the Veteran has a hiatal hernia that was diagnosed in 2008. Although cognizant that the examiner provided a negative nexus opinion, this opinion is inadequate. The Board does not find that further examination or opinion is necessary under the facts of this case.   Based on this evidence, the Board finds that service connection for hiatal hernia is warranted. Nathaniel J. Doan Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board A. Gibson The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.