The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination regarding his left vocal cord disability and an initial rating decision on agoraphobia and history of anxiety. The issues include service connection for paralysis of the left vocal cord as secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease with Barrett's esophagus, and an increased rating for agoraphobia and history of anxiety.
The deciding factor: The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if his current left vocal cord disability is related to his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease with Barrett's esophagus or if it is aggravated by this condition. Additionally, the initial rating decision on agoraphobia and history of anxiety requires issuance of a Statement of the Case.
- Claimed conditions
- paralysis of left vocal cord, gastroesophageal reflux disease with Barrett's esophagus
- How they argued it
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 16, 2009
- Citation
- 0922619
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0922619.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic active gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease with Barrett's esophagus, and intestinal metaplasia was granted in November 2021. The effective date of this award is September 9, 2010.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU was remanded due to the addition of new evidence and the need for an SSOC. The case will be reconsidered in light of all service-connected disabilities, including hypertension.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, as he has remained employed as a truck driver throughout the appeal period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to allegations of worsening symptoms for his service-connected abdominal wound reconstruction and paralysis of the left vocal cord. He needs updated VA examinations to determine current disability ratings.
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