Citation Nr: 20007877
Decision Date: 01/30/20	Archive Date: 01/30/20

DOCKET NO. 17-65 679
DATE: January 30, 2020

REMANDED

Service connection for a stomach disorder, diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as secondary to service-connected post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

Service Connection for GERD, as Secondary to the Service-Connected PTSD, is Remanded.

The Veteran contends that the GERD is related to stomach problems he experienced in service or, in the alternative, was caused or worsened in severity by the service-connected PTSD. 

In the September 2017 VA examination report, the VA examiner opined that the GERD is less likely as not proximately due to the result of the service-connected PTSD, reasoning that “current evidence based medicine does not support a nexus by which to connect the conditions.” The VA examiner also opined that the GERD is less likely as not aggravated beyond its natural progression by the service-connected PTSD, reasoning that “there is no anatomic or physiologic nexus with which to connect the conditions supported by current evidence based medicine.” These opinions do not discuss the case-specific evidence of record. Additional medical opinion with supporting rationale based on the facts of this Veteran’s case would assist in determining whether the GERD is related to service or whether it was caused or worsened in severity by the PTSD. 

The matter is REMANDED for the following action:

1. Obtain a new VA opinion based upon file review. The VA examiner should review the evidence associated with the record. A rationale for all opinions and a discussion of the facts and medical principles involved should be provided. The VA examiner should offer the following opinions:

(a.) Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that the GERD had its onset in, or is otherwise related to service?

(b.) Is it at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that the GERD was caused by the service-connected PTSD?

(c.) Is it at least as likely as not (i.e., probability of 50 percent or more) that the GERD was aggravated by (worsened in severity beyond a normal progression by) the service-connected PTSD?

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2. Then readjudicate the issue of service connection for the GERD, secondary to the service-connected PTSD disability, in light of all pertinent evidence.

 

 

J. PARKER

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Attorney for the Board	D. Costantino, Associate Counsel

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.