Citation Nr: 21068460
Decision Date: 11/10/21	Archive Date: 11/10/21

DOCKET NO. 14-20 268
DATE: November 10, 2021

REMANDED

Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), to include as secondary to service-connected orthopedic disabilities, is remanded.

A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded.

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty from February 1980 to September 1984. 

GERD

The Board regrets continued delay. However, the July 2021 examination conducted pursuant to the Board's June 2021 Remand is inadequate for adjudication purposes. The examiner did not provide adequate reasons for the opinion provided, appearing to simply provide information from Up-To-Date. Also, the information cited by the examiner noted that case studies favored an association between NSAIDs and esophageal stricture. The examiner did not note that the Veteran was diagnosed with a stricture in 2005 along with his hiatal hernia and GERD. 

TDIU

The Veteran's application for a TDIU is inextricably intertwined with the above claim for service connection for GERD. As such, the TDIU matter must be remanded, as well. 

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

Obtain an addendum opinion from a physician (M.D.) regarding the possible link between the Veteran's GERD and his service connected disabilities, to include his use of NSAIDs for his service connected conditions. The examiner must review the record and note that such a review was made. Should the examiner find that an in-person examination is warranted, such an examination should be scheduled accordingly.

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Following the review of the Veteran's record, the examiner should opine whether the Veteran's GERD was least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) proximately due to or aggravated beyond its natural progression by any of the Veteran's service connected disabilities, including his use of NSAIDs for his service connected disabilities.

The examiner should provide a detailed rationale that considers the Veteran's specific medical history, including VA records which document the Veteran was diagnosed with an esophageal stricture, hiatal hernia, and GERD in 2005.

 

 

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.