Citation Nr: 20021112 Decision Date: 03/24/20 Archive Date: 03/24/20 DOCKET NO. 15-17 795 DATE: March 24, 2020 REMANDED Service connection for thoracic outlet syndrome, to include as secondary to the service connected left clavicle disability is remanded. Entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Army from July 1974 to July 1977. This matter comes before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a December 2010 rating decision. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome The Veteran asserts that his thoracic outlet syndrome resulted from his service or his service-connected left clavicle disability. In February 2019, the Board remanded the claim to obtain medical opinions on both direct and secondary service connection theories that the Veteran has asserted. In September 2019, an opinion was obtained, however the examiner failed to opine on whether the Veteran’s claimed thoracic outlet syndrome was the result of his active duty service. The examiner also did not opine whether the thoracic disability was aggravated by the service-connected left clavicle disability. Therefore, this opinion is not compliant with the Board’s February 2019 directives. Stegall v. West, 11 Vet. App. 268 (1998). TDIU This issue is inextricably intertwined with the claim for service connection. Harris v. Derwinski, 1 Vet. App. 180 (1991). The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Obtain an addendum opinion. The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) that the Veteran’s thoracic spine disability is (1) caused by or related to service or (2) aggravated by his service-connected left clavicle disability. The rationale for the opinions must be provided. If the examiner finds that the Veteran does not have a thoracic spine disability, he/she must specifically address the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome contained in the Veteran’s medical records. JOHN Z. JONES Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board Jorge Barroso, 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 This decision is not precedential, and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.