GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2004

The Board denied an increased disability rating for the veteran's service-connected digestive disorder, finding that her symptoms were currently managed with medication and dietary restrictions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic bowel disorder and for an increased evaluation for GERD. The right ankle sprain with arthritis claim was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including dysthymia, anxiety disorder, attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Board granted a rating of 50 percent for PTSD effective March 1, 2004. The veteran's lumbosacral strain and GERD were also rated as requested.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and secondary service connection for a left shoulder disorder due to lack of current medical evidence of these conditions.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were granted, with the initial evaluation of peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) set at 10 percent effective February 12, 1998. The initial evaluation of PTSD was set at 30 percent effective March 27, 2000.

The veteran's claimed conditions were not found to be service-connected, and the appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's current hiatal hernia and GERD are related to symptoms experienced during service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to medical controversies regarding the presence and etiology of arthritis in both hips, as well as clarification on whether a current gastrointestinal disorder exists.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic liver disease and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease were not incurred or aggravated during active service nor as a result of a service-connected disability. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has remanded this case for further development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of the veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids and to determine the nature and likely etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorder. The RO will also consider whether separate ratings can be assigned based on different periods of time.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including chronic gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is being remanded due to the need for additional development of medical records.

The Board has determined that the criteria for a 100 percent rating for service-connected PTSD have been met, and this decision is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to procedural deficiencies in VCAA notice.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected disability pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The veteran's service records do not show any incidents related to a brain injury, incontinence, dental injuries and chipped teeth, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).,Service connection for these conditions is denied as they are not linked to the veteran's active military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims for service connection and pension benefits. The veteran will be provided with another opportunity to submit evidence, and VA examinations will be scheduled to assess his disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for acid reflux, heart disability (including coronary artery disease), hypertension, and IBS as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his medical records and an examination to determine if he is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.