GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected GERD is currently manifested by persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain. However, this does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not result in considerable impairment of health.

The veteran's peptic ulcer disease with gastroesophageal reflux disease is not currently manifested by active duodenal ulcer, weight loss, impairment of health, vomiting, hematemesis, melena, anemia, or incapacitating episodes averaging ten days or more in duration. The residuals of a compression fracture at the L5 level are currently manifested by complaints of pain and numbness in the low back but by essentially negative objective evaluation findings.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, finding no medical evidence linking his current diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents used in Vietnam.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 10 percent for his hiatal hernia with associated gastroesophageal reflux disease, finding that the current evaluation adequately compensates him for his disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, hemorrhagic fever, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VCAA notice and needs further examination of the veteran's fibromyalgia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted, and the propriety of a 10% evaluation for GERD was also granted effective from July 30, 2001.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete notification and evidence, particularly regarding medical records from service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a special gastrointestinal examination in conformity with the guidelines for disability examinations in Gulf War Veterans. The veteran's claim for service connection is pending and will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right hip disability, allergic rhinitis, nephrolithiasis (claimed as kidney stones), gastroesophageal reflux disease, and right foot metatarsalgia. The RO granted service connection for arthritis of the right shoulder and cervical spine but assigned a 10 percent rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The intertwined claim of secondary service connection for herniated nucleus pulposus of the lumbar spine with radiation to the lower extremities must be addressed first.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the current nature and likely etiology of the veteran's stomach disorders, including ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and/or GERD. The examiner should provide opinions on whether these conditions are related to her service-connected depression and/or back disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the current ratings adequately reflected the severity of his disabilities. The service connection claims for pulmonary fibrosis and tuberculosis were also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder is service-connected, as it began during his military service. The gastrointestinal issues are also found to be related to service due to medication use for other service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's service medical records were negative for complaints, findings, or diagnosis of GERD. There is no competent medical evidence relating his current GERD to any disease or injury during active military service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claim can be decided, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the veteran's hiatal hernia, GERD, and Barrett's esophagus, as well as his residuals of pneumonia. The claims are being remanded for these purposes.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine the severity of his various disabilities and whether he meets the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for non-service-connected pension purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's acquired gastrointestinal disorder, now diagnosed as GERD, is reasonably attributable to service.

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal due to the Board's decision, and no issues remain for review.

The veteran is seeking service connection for diabetes mellitus, a skin disorder of the arms, and GERD, all claimed as secondary to in-service herbicide exposure. The case has been remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.