GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2003

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal on his claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, including due to an undiagnosed illness. The initial compensable rating claim for a scar residual of a left lateral compartment fasciotomy is denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for a 10% rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease with dyspepsia is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disorder with Barrett's esophagus and hiatal hernia was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may it be presumed to have been incurred inservice. The claim for service connection is denied.

The VA granted service connection for GERD and myofascial pain syndrome with intermittent neck and back pain, assigning a 10 percent evaluation effective October 2, 2000.

The Board found that the veteran's acid reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and alcoholism are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD.

The veteran's gastrointestinal disorder (irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease) is now rated at 30 percent disabling, effective December 17, 2003.

The Board has determined that the veteran's respiratory disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis are related to his service, specifically his exposure to hazardous materials in service. The claims have been granted.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder and left knee disabilities, but granted service connection and assigned 10 percent evaluations each for gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia, musculoskeletal low back pain, postoperative scar on the proximal aspect of the left foot, and a left foot disability (classified as status post arthroplasty with pin fixation of the 2nd digit, osteotomy of the 2nd metatarsal, and bunionectomy).

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a bilateral foot disorder, right lower extremity disability, or gastroenteritis. The veteran's currently diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders (GERD and hiatal hernia) are service-connected.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim for a total disability evaluation based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities can be fully adjudicated.

The Board found that the veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease, dyspepsia, and history of ulcer disease were not related to his active service or service-connected disability. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to notification from the veteran requesting withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for kidney stones, stomach disorder, skin disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, and bilateral hand disorder. The veteran was granted service connection for PTSD as a manifestation of exhaustion during his Persian Gulf War service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, secondary service connection for GERD (claimed as secondary to sinusitis), and an increased rating for his service-connected sinusitis.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and a psychiatric disorder. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, prostate disorder (claimed as prostatitis), and gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as gastroesophageal reflux disease) are granted.

The veteran's appeal is for an increased rating for GERD and service connection for esophageal cancer. The RO granted the increased rating but denied service connection, indicating a mixed decision as some issues were granted while others were not.

The Board has determined that the veteran's GERD and hiatal hernia are service-connected, with no need for further action on his part.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for a VA examination. The veteran's claims of service connection for anemia, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are being reviewed.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, bilateral cataracts, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), each claimed as secondary to his service-connected burn scars.