GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2000

The Board found that the veteran's GERD existed prior to his military service and was aggravated by active duty, warranting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the claim for service connection of gastroesophageal reflux secondary to PTSD and also denied the request for an effective date earlier than September 25, 2000 for a 100% evaluation for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, specifically gastroesophageal reflux disease, was incurred during active military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's need for aid and attendance is established, granting her special monthly pension based on this need.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of an excision of a benign oral lesion, melanoacanthoma is granted. The veteran's cervical condition is currently asymptomatic and does not require continuous treatment. Ratings are granted for bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right wrist de Quervain's syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux.

The Board found no evidence of chronic conditions present during service or within the first post-service year, and denied claims for direct service connection for gastroesophageal reflux, sinusitis, headaches, and a low back condition.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was not well-grounded, as there is no evidence showing a causal connection between his VA surgeries and his current hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and assistance, or based on permanent housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating for hypertension with sporadic premature ventricular contractions. The issues of low back disability, deviated nasal septum, rhinitis with enlarged turbinates, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were also addressed but are pending further development.

The veteran's joint pain and gastrointestinal symptoms are not service-connected due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service, particularly Gulf War exposure.

The veteran's fibromyalgia and gastroesophageal reflux disorder with hiatal hernia status post cholecystectomy have been granted service connection, but are currently rated at the minimum (10%) level.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the appellant's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease/hiatal hernia and left pubic ramus fracture with left lumbar plexopathy/radiculopathy, both currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's stomach disorder and skin disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor were they otherwise etiologically related to his service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cardiovascular disease to include hypertension and hiatal hernia with GERD. The upper lip scar claim was granted, but only at a 10% disability evaluation.

The Board found no evidence of chronic conditions related to service for the claimed disabilities and thus denied all claims.

The Board granted service connection for chronic stomach condition, including gastroesophageal reflux disease and esophagitis. The veteran's cervical disc disease was found to warrant a 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for adhesive capsulitis of the right shoulder, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, duodenal ulcer disease, cervical spine disability, and a disorder of the right hand characterized as numbness, ulnar nerve. The rating assigned is 20% for lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well grounded. The conditions claimed, including ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease, do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to exposure to Agent Orange. Additionally, there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to the veteran's active duty service or a service-connected disability.

The Board found the claim of service connection for a thoracic spine disability not well grounded. The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is currently rated at 10%.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for a hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux is not well-grounded and therefore denied.