GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims of entitlement to increased evaluations for limpomata, bilateral plantar calluses, and right ear hearing loss are dismissed due to failure to file timely substantive appeals.,The veteran's claim of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of zero percent disabling prior to August 2002 for limboma is dismissed due to failure to file a timely substantive appeal.,The veteran's claim of entitlement to increased evaluations for bilateral plantar calluses and right ear hearing loss are dismissed due to failure to file timely substantive appeals.,The veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disorder is denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to active service or any other basis.,The veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are dismissed due to failure to file timely substantive appeals.,The veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for hiatal hernia and/or GERD is denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to active service or any other basis.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for GERD is being remanded due to the need for a more thorough examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease with Barrett's esophagus, finding that his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a subtotal gastrectomy for peptic ulcer and generalized anxiety disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on the combined effect of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection and disability ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for his service-connected lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, gastrointestinal disability (GERD), and sinusitis due to a lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and psychiatric disorder did not begin in service or due to any incident of service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for TMJ syndrome and GERD, but not for the veteran's hiatal hernia. The decision on the hiatal hernia issue is pending.

The Board found that the veteran's acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and asthma are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected PTSD.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and to obtain medical records. The issues include service connection for neck, shoulder, face, and jaw pain and numbness; gastroesophageal reflux disease and a stomach disorder as secondary to dysthymic disorder; and an increased rating for dysthymic disorder.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 100% evaluation effective from April 2000. The veteran withdrew his appeals concerning the other issues on appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for his service-connected irritable colon syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease and hemorrhoids, finding that the current ratings were appropriate based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or due to housebound status.

The Board denied service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as the veteran's current condition was not present in service and is not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a lower digestive disability, claimed as small bowel obstruction secondary to abdominal adhesions from hernia/abdominal surgeries. He also seeks an increased evaluation for his gastroesophageal reflux with dyspepsia. The case has been remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's gastroesophageal reflux disease is caused by his service-connected PTSD and therefore grants service connection for this condition. However, the irritable bowel syndrome was not found to be related to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to January 25, 2000 for a 100 percent rating for Crohn's disease with an inflammatory bowel, Barrett's esophagus and a gastroesophageal reflux disorder. The effective date was set at January 25, 2000.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed disabilities were not related to his military service, including exposure to radiation. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of the conditions.