The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development regarding his left shoulder condition and GERD. Specifically, a new VA examination is required to assess the current severity of his left shoulder disorder and determine if he has a cervical spine disability caused or aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disorder.
The deciding factor: The decision notes that additional information is needed to fully evaluate the Veteran's claims, including through further medical examinations and review of records.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Shoulder Impingement Syndrome with Bicipital Tendonitis, Rotator Cuff Tear, and Labral Tear, GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 18, 2023
- Citation
- 23010393
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 23010393.
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 claims for increased ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis and IBS/GERD were denied as there was no evidence of severe health impairment or other symptoms warranting a higher rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's stomach disability. The VA will obtain an addendum opinion from a gastroenterologist to address whether the Veteran's stomach condition is related to service, including exposure to contaminated water and umbilical hernia repair.
- Granted
The Veteran's GERD, previously rated as noncompensable, is now rated at 10 percent effective August 30, 2023. The rating reflects the Veteran's symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including IBS and GERD, as it found no evidence of such disabilities in service or related to exposure to Camp Lejeune contaminated water. The Board also noted that any current gastrointestinal issues are not linked to service-connected conditions.
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