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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 23060107.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's gastritis and esophageal stricture are granted as service-connected.
- Granted
The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, effective March 12, 2021.
- 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.
- 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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