GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected disability manifested by diarrhea is currently rated at 10 percent. The claim for an increased rating has been granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, hepatitis C, and an initial rating higher than 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The VA found no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has found that the veteran's current right knee disorder is etiologically related to service, granting service connection for this condition.

The veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia has been granted an initial 10 percent rating effective October 1, 2002.

The Board found that the veteran's combined disability rating of 60% does not meet the minimum percentage requirements for a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a). However, even if the veteran's disabilities fail to meet the statutory requirements, this case may be referred for an extraschedular evaluation on the grounds that he is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board found no current diagnoses of GERD or IBS and denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD with bipolar disorder effective February 8, 2005. The veteran's claim of entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability is moot due to the assigned rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred on May 24, 2002 at non-VA facilities due to lack of prior authorization and because the treatment was not for a service-connected disability.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with halitosis.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder did not have its onset in service or pre-existed service and was permanently worsened therein. The claim for GERD was denied as it is not a condition related to service connection. The initial compensable rating for migraine headaches was granted.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of current service-connected disability for gastroesophageal reflux disease, and thus denied this claim. The issue of sciatica of the right leg is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and hypertension, GERD, and COPD as these conditions are not shown to be due to any event or incident of his period of active service.

The Board found that the veteran's gastroesophageal cancer was not incurred or aggravated by his active service, including exposure to herbicides. As a result, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that service connection is not warranted for asbestosis, hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal disease, or arthritis of the left knee. Service connection was granted for sterility due to mumps orchitis in service. Right knee instability with arthritis is not related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed gastrointestinal conditions are not related to service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's non-service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need of regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and depression, were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability or in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and higher initial ratings, finding no legal basis for an earlier effective date than December 14, 2001.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and maintain gainful employment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable rating for various conditions, finding that the evidence does not support a grant of these benefits.