GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 100% rating for asbestosis, finding that his service-connected asbestosis prior to July 23, 2001 was not more severely disabling than indicated by post-treatment pulmonary function test results.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for carpal tunnel syndrome was granted, and he is now rated at 50 percent effective July 10, 2002. Service connection for GERD, degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine, and low back disorder were also granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PUD with GERD and hiatal hernia warrants a rating of 30 percent, effective November 1, 1992.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disorder, ulcer, or gastrointestinal disorder in service and denied the claims for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, acid reflux disease, diverticulitis, multiple skin cancers of the face and arms, and peripheral vascular disease. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service or any incident therein.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic back disorder, a chronic gastrointestinal disorder (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and a chronic bilateral foot disorder. The evidence did not establish a nexus between any of these conditions and the veteran's military service.

The veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease was denied. The claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the presence of in-service noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current gastrointestinal disorder, characterized as hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux and nonulcer dyspepsia, was incurred during his period of active service.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for nonservice connected pension was denied as there was no informal or formal claim filed prior to the May 15, 2001 application. The RO assigned March 27, 2001 as the effective date based on VA treatment records starting from that date.

The veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and initial compensable disability ratings for residuals of a right foot injury, degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine, and adjustment disorder with a mixed mood were denied. The veteran was granted increased disability ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine and adjustment disorder with a mixed mood.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied for alcoholism and stomach disability due to preclusion by law. The right hip fusion claim was denied as there was no evidence of injury in service or current disability. The scars from a munitions explosion were also denied. However, the veteran's PTSD was granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for IBS/GERD and service connection for hypertension and PVD secondary to PTSD, finding that there was no evidence of severe disability or aggravation.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for service connection of GERD and respiratory disorders as secondary to his service-connected duodenal ulcer, and also denied an increased rating for his duodenal ulcer.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of November 6, 1990 for the grant of a TDIU rating based on the veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was initially manifested during service and is attributable to service. The Board finds that the evidence supports that GERD is attributable to service.

The veteran's hepatitis C and gastrointestinal disorder claims have been denied as they are not shown to be related to his military service or the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has determined that the veteran's disability, manifested by episodic colicky pain and disturbance of motility of the GI tract, warrants a rating of 30 percent for GERD with postoperative adhesions.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support higher ratings for most conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a medical examination and providing an opinion regarding whether the veteran's peptic ulcer disease with hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease were incurred as a result of service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, tinea pedis (skin rash and peeling skin of both hands and feet), deviated septum, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and insomnia. The veteran's service records show that he experienced stressors related to his service in Southwest Asia, including exposure to enemy combat situations and witnessing the deaths of fellow soldiers.