The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neck impairment, an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for esophageal stricture, and a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) as they are intertwined. The Veteran is entitled to a VA examination and medical opinion regarding his neck impairment and esophageal stricture.
The deciding factor: The claims are remanded because the Board did not provide sufficient reasons and bases for finding the second McLendon element had not been met, indicating that further development is needed to determine if there is an association between service and the Veteran's conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- neck impairment, esophageal stricture
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 7, 2023
- Citation
- 23060107
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23060107.
What this means for you
A remand sends an issue back for more development, often a new examination or missing records. It does not award the benefit or decide the final outcome. The original decision explains the additional work ordered.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's gastritis and esophageal stricture are granted as service-connected.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, effective March 12, 2021.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's GI disorders are related to his service, but the AOJ needs to determine which specific deployments and activities caused these conditions. The case is being remanded for further development.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran's GERD, esophageal stricture, and reflux esophagitis are less likely related to service due to a negative VA opinion. However, the Veteran contends his condition is related to exposure to burn pits during Southwest Asia operations. The Board also notes there is conflicting evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's alcohol use disorder. Therefore, the case is being remanded for further examination and analysis.
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