GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2006

The VA denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for chronic anxiety manifested by gastrointestinal distress, appendectomy scar, and right inguinal hernia repair scar. The appeals were decided on the merits of the service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and reopening of service connection claims were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating his claims.

The veteran seeks service connection for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal stricture and diverticulosis secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder. The case is remanded for further development to determine if these conditions are caused or aggravated by the service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board has denied service connection for lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. Service connection for acid reflux is granted as the veteran currently has this condition.

The veteran's appeal was denied for all issues, with the exception of his request to withdraw an appeal regarding right ulnar neuropathy.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, a stomach disorder, and joint aches due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability and finds that it is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected orthopedic disabilities. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a cervical spine disability are also granted as secondary to service-connected knee and low back disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss, tinnitus, a gastrointestinal disability, and arteriosclerotic heart disease due to lack of evidence showing an in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not impair his ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, he does not have an employment handicap.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and arranging for an orthopedic examination to determine the nature and etiology of his back disability(ies).

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure proper notice and assistance in connection with the veteran's claims for service connection. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board denied the claims of service connection for GERD, hiatal hernia, gastritis, hypertension, and a right perforated eardrum. The appellant's active duty was from January 1968 to March 1970.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and arranging for a VA gastrointestinal examination by an appropriate specialist.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to his failure to report for a VA examination without good cause.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of emotional instability reaction, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The initial evaluation assigned for his service-connected duodenal ulcer disease was also denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, finding that there is no nexus between his military service and his current condition.

The Board denied all claims except for an increased rating for PTSD and a retroactive effective date for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and stomach disorder/reflux have been denied as there is no evidence of a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and need for further investigation.