GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2003

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back injury and GERD are service-connected, with no specific date provided.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease/peptic ulcer is being remanded due to the need for updated medical examination and additional treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for INH induced hepatitis and gastroesophageal reflux with duodenitis, currently rated at 10 percent. The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for her lumbar disc disability, migraine headaches, and GERD. The RO assigned a 20 percent rating for the lumbar disc disability, a 30 percent rating for migraine headaches (effective from the date of the initial rating), and no compensable rating for GERD.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, left shoulder disorder, neck disorder, right ankle disorder, low back strain, traumatic arthritis of the left knee, postoperative residuals of reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligaments of the left ankle with traumatic arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or hypertension. The veteran's service-connected disabilities are already in effect for his left knee and left ankle disorders.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux and duodenitis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claimed conditions, including dyshidrosis of the hands and feet, headaches, weight gain, degenerative joint disease, loss of memory, weakness and lack of energy, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and cellulitis of the left lower extremity with a scar, are not related to his active service or due to an undiagnosed illness. Service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and higher evaluations for several conditions, including shortness of breath, chronic joint pain, arthritis of the right knee due to trauma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, sleep apnea, and hemorrhoids.

The Board finds that GERD and duodenitis are incurred in service, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the veteran. The claim for peptic ulcer disease is denied as it was not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for service-connected degenerative and osteoarthritic changes of the cervical spine, and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux are being remanded due to a lack of adequate development.

The Board found that the veteran's IBS and GERD did not have their onset in service, as there were no relevant symptoms prior to his active duty. The evidence showed that he had stomach problems after discharge from service but before seeking treatment for these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, and right fifth finger disorder are all rated as noncompensable. The veteran is granted a compensable rating for his right hand fifth digit injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for GERD is granted, as there is sufficient evidence to support a finding that his current disability is related to his military service.

The veteran's lumbosacral compression fracture L4 with deformity L3-4 with moderate disc narrowing L5-S1 is rated at 20 percent, and his GERD is rated at noncompensable. The 'old' criteria for intervertebral disc syndrome are more favorable than the 'new'.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and gastroesophageal disability are all related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral knee disability, multiple allergies, and hearing loss disabilities. The appeals were not perfected due to lack of a timely substantive appeal.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and ensuring compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000. The veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is pending.

The veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia, depression, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux from the upper gastrointestinal, multiple joint pain, and headaches have all been denied. The claim for PTSD was not addressed as it is unclear whether the veteran has this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS and GERD as secondary to the use of NSAIDs for treatment of service connected musculoskeletal disabilities. The right shoulder disability claim is pending further action.

The VA outpatient clinic's failure to check the veteran for a heart disorder led him to go without necessary treatment, resulting in his death from a heart attack.