GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2003

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for hiatal hernia with GERD.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are not shown to be so disabling as to render him unable to care for his daily personal needs or protect himself from the hazards and dangers of daily living, without care or assistance on a regular basis. Therefore, he is not entitled to additional special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and gastroesophageal reflux disease, both of which were incurred during the veteran's active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The other claims for an upper back disability and impotence are being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and epicondylitis of the right elbow, assigning a 10 percent rating effective August 1, 2000.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, but denied his request for an initial disability rating in excess of zero percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease with peptic esophagitis, including obtaining an updated VA examination and ensuring compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disease with mitral valve prolapse, an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for GERD, a higher evaluation for dysthymic disorder, and an increased evaluation for chronic bronchitis.

The veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal condition is rated at 30 percent, but the issues of residuals from surgery to the lungs and pancreas, left elbow injury, right ankle sprain, conjunctivitis (blurred vision), removal of a hyperkeratotic papule on the back, and musculoskeletal chest wall pain are all denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for hiatal hernia to include gastroesophageal reflux disease, status post Nissen fundoplication is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of whether he should be granted a higher, extraschedular evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to issues related to his service-connected appendectomy and peritoneal adhesions. The RO must obtain medical records, schedule the veteran for an examination, and address both issues together as they are inextricably intertwined.

The veteran's arthritis of the right shoulder was granted service connection and a 10 percent evaluation. The propriety of an initial 10 percent evaluation for GERD was also granted.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including a comprehensive VA examination to determine the nature and extent of his gastrointestinal disabilities. The issues on appeal are about service connection for additional disability claimed as cholelithiasis and an increased evaluation for residuals of peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for major depression with anxiety and remanded the other issues to allow for further development.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, as the veteran's service-connected conditions prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted a 20% evaluation for the service-connected left knee disorder, effective from June 17, 1998. The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer are rated at 10%. The issues of entitlement to increased evaluations remain pending.

The Board has determined that the appellant's gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia are related to his military service, warranting service connection. The left hand disability issue is not addressed in this decision.

The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is found to be secondary to her service-connected tenosynovitis of the right Achilles tendon with fascial muscle tear.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current neurological disability manifested by tingling and numbness involving the left side of the body due to service. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, irritable colon syndrome, GERD, and post-traumatic headaches are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder as secondary to his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left shoulder, finding that there was no evidence supporting the claim.