Citation Nr: 21002441 Decision Date: 01/13/21 Archive Date: 01/13/21 DOCKET NO. 13-34 758 DATE: January 13, 2021 REMANDED Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded. Service connection for headaches is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from June 1980 to June 1983 and from September 1990 to March 1991. In February 2020, the Veteran and his wife testified at a hearing before the undersigned Veterans’ Law Judge. A copy of the transcript is a part of the record. The Board remanded these matters in March 2020. GERD Headaches Pursuant to the Board’s March 2020 remand instructions, VA examinations regarding the etiology of the Veteran’s GERD and headaches were conducted in June 2020. The examinations, however, did not provide an accurate medical history of the Veteran’s GERD or headaches (misrepresenting the Veteran’s dates of diagnosis of each disorder), did not accurately reflect the Veteran’s hearing testimony regarding his presentation of symptoms, and, also, offered no rationale for the opinions provided, appearing to rely solely on the lack of in-service treatment or diagnosis for the negative nexus opinion provided. As such, the examinations are inadequate for adjudication purposes. The Board regrets additionally delay, but new examinations are warranted for the Veteran’s GERD and headaches. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: Schedule the Veteran for an examination(s) by an appropriately qualified physician (M.D.) to determine the nature and etiology of his GERD and headaches. The claims file should be made available to the examiner for review. The examiner must opine whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) that the Veteran’s GERD and/or headaches were incurred in, or due to, the Veteran’s service. The Veteran’s lay statements, specifically including the Veteran and his wife’s February 2020 hearing testimony, regarding onset and continuity of symptomology should be recorded and considered. (Continued on the next page)   The examiner is also asked to note the Veteran’s VA records which show diagnosis of and treatment for GERD in 2001, report of headaches in 1999, report of prior treatment for headaches in 2004, and treatment for headaches in 2004. A rationale for all opinions must be provided. JOHN Z. JONES Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board A. Parrish, 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.