Citation Nr: 21042294 Decision Date: 07/12/21 Archive Date: 07/12/21 DOCKET NO. 17-06 239 DATE: July 12, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a stomach condition, to include as due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty under honorable conditions from June 1981 to November 1981. The Veteran also has active military service under other than honorable conditions from December 1985 to October 1986. A December 2015 VA Administrative Decision determined that the Veteran's service from December 1985 to October 1986 was dishonorable for VA purposes, and as such, is a bar to payment of VA benefits. See 38 C.F.R. § 3.12. Therefore, the Board may only consider the Veteran's claims based on his period of military service from June 1981 to November 1981. This matter comes before the Board on appeal from an April 2017 rating decision issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO). The Board previously remanded this matter in December 2018 and January 2020. While the Board regrets the delay, additional development is required before the Veteran's claim is decided. Entitlement to service connection for a stomach condition, to include as associated with exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune A September 2019 VA examiner, who also provided an addendum in August 2020, indicated the Veteran had a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that was diagnosed in 2019. The Veteran reported an onset of reflex symptoms that started about three years earlier and have persisted. The Veteran was diagnosed with GERD at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and was being followed by a primary care provider and was taking omeprazole. The Board notes that the examination was an examination for esophageal conditions. However, the Veteran's claim was for a stomach condition. A gastroenterology treatment note from July 2016 indicates a colonoscopy revealed scattered diverticulosis throughout the colon. Remand is warranted to obtain an addendum opinion to discuss this finding and whether it indicates another diagnosis that must be considered. The matter is REMANDED for the following action: Obtain an addendum opinion from a qualified clinician. If the VA clinician determines another examination is necessary, an examination should be scheduled. If the clinician finds that discussion with the Veteran is needed to obtain relevant medical history or a report of the Veteran's symptoms, a telephone discussion should be scheduled. The examiner must review the claims file. The examiner is asked to provide a response to the following: Has the Veteran had a diagnosis of a stomach condition, other than gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), at any time during the period on appeal? The examiner must specifically discuss the July 2016 colonoscopy findings of "scattered diverticulosis." If so, is the disability at least as likely as not (50 percent probability or greater) related to service, including contaminants in the water during service at Camp Lejeune? Provide a rationale to support the opinion. L. CHU Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans' Appeals Attorney for the Board R. Vemulapalli, 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.