GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, finding that his claims were not well-grounded and thus did not meet the initial burden of proof.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including a bowel disorder and a stomach disorder, is not well grounded. The evidence does not establish a link between his current conditions and his period of active duty service.

The VA has granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for the service-connected allergic bronchial asthma and increased the rating of the service-connected allergic rhinitis, allergic sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disabilities to 30 percent. The decision does not address the issue of hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux.

The Board has determined that the appellant is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her multiple medical conditions, which require assistance with daily activities. The claim for special monthly pension based on housebound status is denied as she already qualifies for aid and attendance.

The VA determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment based on his educational attainment and occupational experience.

The veteran's appeal is dismissed due to his death.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of open heart surgery and post-operative residuals, gastroesophageal stricture as they are not well grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine disability, comprising degenerative disc disease and arthritis, was incurred in or aggravated during his active military service. The claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease and a bowel condition is remanded to the RO.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations have been granted. Service connection is established for a scar on the head, postoperative residuals of medial and lateral meniscectomy of the right knee, anterior cruciate ligament deficiency of the left knee with degenerative joint disease, plantar fasciitis of the right foot, and gastroesophageal reflux. The veteran's claims for increased evaluations have been granted to 10 percent for postoperative residuals of medial and lateral meniscectomy of the right knee, anterior cruciate ligament deficiency of the left knee with degenerative joint disease, plantar fasciitis of the right foot, and gastroesophageal reflux.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a compensable rating for his service-connected postoperative right testicle cancer with abdominal lymph node metastasis and a TDIU, finding that the current state of his disability does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for hearing loss, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux, and a foot disorder due to lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to active duty or inactive duty training.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux with Barrett's esophagus is not well-grounded because there is no evidence showing a causal link between his current condition and any in-service disease or injury.

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's cause of death to VA medical treatment, and denied the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease was incurred during his active service and is granted as service connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities are properly rated at 10 percent each, with no additional ratings for specific issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable evaluation, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his period of active duty service.

The Board denied an increased rating for duodenitis with gastroesophageal reflux, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 16, 1998, for a 10 percent evaluation of service-connected gastroesophageal reflux.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, stomach condition, and heart condition as there is no evidence to support a finding of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology.