GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2005

The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for the veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia/GERD and status post partial gastric resection for duodenal ulcer disease, effective from July 2001.

The veteran's claim for a separate disability rating for hiatal hernia and/or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with an examination.

The Board has determined that both claims need to be remanded due to procedural issues and the need for further development. The veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD, is related to his dental disability. His claim for reopening of his dental disorder claim needs clarification.

The Board found that the veteran's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gout were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims for secondary service connection based on these conditions are also denied.

The Board found that service connection was granted for a right shoulder rotator cuff tear injury, but denied claims for heart disorder, sinusitis, left knee disorder, hemorrhoids, and increased ratings for gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia and musculoskeletal low back pain. The left foot disability is rated at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is aggravated by his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and thus grants service connection for GERD on a secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the case for further review by a VA physician to determine if the veteran's gastrointestinal symptoms in service were related to pancreatitis and whether there is any relationship between these symptoms and post-service disabilities including GERD, gallbladder problems, and hiatal hernia.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. Bilateral hearing loss was not found to be related to active service, while GERD was not linked to the veteran's service-connected condition or due to his thoracic spine disability. Dermatophytosis and residuals of trauma to the thoracic spine at T-12 were rated as 10 percent disabling throughout the appeal period. The claim for a fracture of the left humerus did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, finding that his primary gastroesophageal cancer was not related to his military service or presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has restored the veteran's previously assigned 60 percent disability rating for his service-connected gastrointestinal disorder and denied his request for an increased rating for recurrent headaches.

The veteran is found to be unemployable due to the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities, including depression and multiple other conditions.

The veteran's migraine headaches, prostate disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and diverticulitis, bilateral knee disorder, respiratory disorders including sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis, and nasal polyps are all found to be related to service. The veteran was not exposed to radiation during service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for alopecia areata and hypertension, as well as the rating for hemorrhoids, were granted. The claim for a higher rating for GERD was denied.

The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is currently rated at 10 percent, and the right hand injuries are rated at 20 percent. The veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the veteran's GERD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as they are not accompanied by substernal or arm/shoulder pain and are productive of considerable impairment of health. The veteran is therefore denied an increased initial rating for his GERD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's GERD does not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation beyond 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease as secondary to the veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The right knee disability is rated at 20 percent, and the left knee disability is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), to include as secondary to a service-connected right knee disorder, due to lack of current diagnosis.