The Board has determined that the evidence is insufficient to adjudicate the secondary service connection claims for partial paralysis of the left hemidiaphragm and other residuals of a thoracotomy, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophagitis. The veteran's chest area disability may be related to his September 1999 fall during a seizure disorder, but further medical opinion is needed. GERD and/or esophagitis are also being evaluated for potential secondary relationship with service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not provide sufficient clarity on the current state of the veteran's chest area disability or its relation to his September 1999 fall during a seizure disorder, necessitating further medical opinion. The nature and etiology of the veteran's gastrointestinal problems are also unclear and require additional evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- partial paralysis of the left hemidiaphragm, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 3, 2006
- Citation
- 0603151
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and pernicious anemia, and the Board dismissed both appeals.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as the appellant does not have a documented history of recurrent or refractory esophageal stricture(s).
- Denied
The Board denied the claims for an initial compensable disability rating for right inguinal hernia surgery and service connection for a low back disability, as well as remanded the claims for service connection for GERD and entitlement to an increased rating for hypertension.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and a right hip disability, and granted a 30 percent rating for ureterolithiasis. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, while other claims were remanded.
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