GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2003

The veteran's service-connected PTSD and GERD are sufficient to preclude him from participating in gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board finds that the appellant's exercise-induced asthma is likely attributable to his military service, specifically his period of active duty for training in Jordan from June 16 to July 2, 1994. Service connection is granted.

The veteran died from advanced cancer of the gastroesophageal junction. The VA did not negligently fail to diagnose or treat this condition, and therefore DIC benefits are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for chronic cough and GERD, both claimed as due to treatment at a VA facility in March 1992, finding no competent evidence of a relationship between these conditions and the treatment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for colitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease with solid food dysphagia, as well as his claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids. The Board found no medical evidence linking these conditions to military service or service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disability from a low back disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or tinnitus related to service. However, he is entitled to service connection for tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's gastroesophageal reflux with hiatal hernia and postoperative hemorrhoids do not warrant a higher disability rating, as they are currently rated at 10 percent for both conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), finding that these conditions are secondary to the veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, duodenal ulcer with gastroesophageal reflux, and synovitis of the left knee, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, his claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic left hip strain and tinnitus, but denied service connection for a left inguinal hernia, initial ratings for GERD and varicocele. The appellant's current conditions are rated at the minimum levels allowed by VA regulations.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and denied all claims.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable considering his educational and occupational background.

The Board found that the veteran's right foot hallux valgus with hallux rigidus does not warrant a compensable rating, and his gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) does not meet the criteria for an original disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected heart condition, frostbite of the hands and feet, hiatal hernia with acid reflux, bilateral knee strain, left shoulder strain, and frostbite of the feet have all been denied. The initial evaluation for status post myocardial infarction with coronary artery angioplasty and stent placement remains at 30 percent.

The veteran's exercise-induced asthma is currently rated at 30 percent, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia at 10 percent, and plantar fasciitis with bilateral heel spurs at non-compensable. The appeals for higher ratings are granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastritis, irritable bowel, duodenal ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux do not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent. The compensable rating for recurrent hemorrhoids is also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for GERD, poor bladder control, blood in urine, sinusitis, and left patellofemoral syndrome. The veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance was denied as he is not in need of regular aid and assistance due to his disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected left shoulder disorder, GERD, deviated septum, and cervical spine disorder. The current evaluations of 10%, 10%, 0%, and 20% respectively are maintained.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension at the housebound rate is denied as he does not meet the legal criteria for payment of such benefits.