The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for colon cancer as secondary to his service-connected gastrectomy with dumping syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and B12 deficiency anemia due to insufficient medical opinion regarding aggravation. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded due to its inextricably intertwined nature with the service connection claim.
The deciding factor: The Board found that there has not been substantial compliance with previous remand directives, specifically regarding an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran's colon cancer is aggravated by his service-connected gastrectomy with dumping syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and B12 deficiency anemia.
- Claimed conditions
- colon cancer, gastrectomy with dumping syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, B12 deficiency anemia
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 7, 2023
- Citation
- 23021530
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 23021530.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for esophageal stricture and gastroesophageal reflux disease due to a failure to obtain a medical opinion regarding the latter condition. The claim will be reconsidered after obtaining such an opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of death and its relation to service. The Veteran's atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and colon cancer are being evaluated for their relationship to toxic exposure during service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for gastroesophageal reflux disease and obstructive sleep apnea have been withdrawn, and the claims are dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection for colon cancer and liver cancer is granted due to the relationship between his in-service toxic exposures, including burn pits. His liver cancer was found to be related to his now service-connected colon cancer.
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