GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with a combined evaluation of 70 percent effective from May 13, 1998. The specific conditions and issues are listed above.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 10 percent, and service connection for hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, cervical muscle strain, muscle tension headaches, and lumbar muscle strain are granted as secondary to his PTSD.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a well-grounded claim, and the current ratings are appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied because his most disabling condition is substance abuse of misconduct origin, which cannot be considered in determining eligibility for pension benefits.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current stomach disorder, gall bladder removal residuals, or cardiovascular disease to his military service. The claims were therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current knee disabilities are not service-connected, and his hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux is currently rated at 10 percent. The claim for higher evaluation remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis is not well-grounded, and his appeal for a compensable evaluation for gastroesophageal reflux disease with history of peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, and duodenitis is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease with peptic esophagitis. The veteran is found to have a current disability related to his in-service exposure to noise trauma, which supports his claim for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. For gastroesophageal reflux disease with peptic esophagitis, the Board finds that while there are medical records indicating a diagnosis of this condition, it was not directly related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of acute hepatitis, including gastroesophageal reflux disease and history of hepatic cyst, warrant a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that no new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disability, stomach disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease is currently manifested by recurrent epigastric distress with pyrosis and regurgitation, warranting a noncompensable evaluation. The evidence does not support an increase in the disability rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow the RO to adjudicate new claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux disease, both as secondary to PTSD. The total disability rating based on individual unemployability claim will also be readjudicated.

The Board has determined that the appellant's need for regular aid and attendance of another person is established, based on her inability to keep herself clean and presentable. The claim is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disorder is not well-grounded because there is no medical evidence linking his current hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease to his in-service gastrointestinal complaints or to any continuity of symptomatology after discharge.

The veteran's disabilities, including a personality disorder and hypertension, render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a permanent and total disability rating for non-service-connected pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease with duodenal ulcer is not related to his service-connected chronic bronchitis, and thus cannot be granted as secondary service connection.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for duodenal ulcer disease with hiatus hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), status post-fundoplication, antrectomy and vagotomy is being remanded due to insufficient information in the current medical records.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease as secondary to his asthma medication was not well-grounded due to lack of medical evidence supporting a relationship between the two conditions. The claims for increased rating and restoration of a 30 percent rating for asthma are pending.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of death on both a direct and secondary basis, finding no evidence to support either claim.

The veteran's claim for increased evaluation of GERD and duodenal ulcer disease was denied. The issue regarding the reopening of a neck injury with headaches claim is also denied, as new evidence does not establish that his current condition is related to service. Service connection for PTSD has been granted but an earlier effective date remains pending.