NODAppealSecondary

2015 C&P Exam (GERD) 2017 C&P (Esophageal Stricture)

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Filed a claim for Esophageal Stricture (DC 7203) Secondary to SC GERD. Below is result of C&P Exam. Seems pretty straight forward. VSRO asks if Stricture is at least as likely as not due to GERD. Examiner responds in the affirmative. Decision letter mentions nothing about esophageal stricture and continues disability rating for GERD for 30%. Viewed many BVA decisions where 7203 can be rated separately and is not considered pyramiding. Filed for Stricture Secondary to GERD after recent EGD Exam diagnosed me with Schatzki ring and Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Both of which cause narrowing of the esophagus. MMEDICAL OPINION SUMMARY ----------------------- DBQ GI Esophageal (including GERD & hiatal hernia): TYPE OF MEDICAL OPINION REQUESTED: Secondary Service connection. The Veteran's esophageal condition is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) proximately due to or the result of GERD, currently rated as hiatal hernia. RATIONALE: EGD Report dated 9/8/17 supports esophagitis which has been linked to chronic reflux of GERD/hiatal hernia. Veteran has no other documented condition to which it could be related. supplemental data: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/hiatal-hernia RESTATEMENT OF REQUESTED OPINION: a. Opinion from general remarks: DBQ GI Esophageal (including GERD & hiatal hernia): TYPE OF MEDICAL OPINION REQUESTED: Secondary Service connection. Is the Veteran's esophageal condition, stricture at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) proximately due to or the result of GERD? POTENTIALLY RELEVANT INFORMATION: TAB A: Bedford VAMC Treatment Records, 02/06/2013 to present TAB B: EGD Report b. Indicate type of exam for which opinion has been requested: GI TYPE OF MEDICAL OPINION PROVIDED: [ MEDICAL OPINION FOR SECONDARY SERVICE CONNECTION ] a. The condition claimed is at least as likely as not (50% or greater probability) proximately due to or the result of the Veteran's service connected condition. c. Rationale: Recent EGD with biopsies supports esophagitis which is mediaclly accepted as having a link to hiatal hernia. TYPE OF MEDICAL OPINION PROVIDED: [ OPINION REGARDING CONFLICTING MEDICAL EVIDENCE ] I have reviewed the conflicting medical evidence and am providing the following opinion: The Veteran's esophageal condition is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater probability) proximately due to or the result of GERD, currently rated as hiatal hernia.