GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2007

The Board determined that the veteran's gastrointestinal symptoms, including H. pylori and GERD, were not incurred or aggravated in active service.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current skin disorder, acid reflux disease, and hypertension to his military service or Agent Orange exposure. The claims are therefore denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a prostate/urinary tract disability, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for sinus disability and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have all been denied. The veteran does not have a chronic prostate/urinary tract disability related to active service, and his sinus disability is not productive of the required criteria for an increased rating.

The veteran is seeking higher ratings for his PTSD and gastroesophageal reflux disease. He also seeks service connection for bilateral leg nodules, a respiratory condition secondary to herbicide exposure, and sleep apnea.,The veteran is seeking an initial rating greater than 10 percent for his gastroesophageal reflux disease. He also seeks service connection for a respiratory condition secondary to chlorine gas exposure.,The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. He also seeks service connection for bilateral leg nodules, a respiratory condition secondary to herbicide exposure, and sleep apnea.,The veteran is seeking service connection for bilateral leg nodules, a respiratory condition secondary to herbicide exposure, and sleep apnea. He also seeks service connection for coronary artery disease as secondary to PTSD.,The veteran is seeking an effective date earlier than April 9, 2005, for total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU).,The veteran is seeking service connection for a respiratory condition secondary to herbicide exposure. He also seeks service connection for coronary artery disease as secondary to PTSD.,The veteran is seeking service connection for sleep apnea. He also seeks service connection for coronary artery disease as secondary to PTSD.

The Board found that the veteran's acid reflux disease, hemorrhoids, and residuals of left wrist fracture do not meet the criteria for service connection or higher initial evaluations. The medical evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The right knee, GERD, normocytic normochromic anemia, pseudofolliculitis barbae, status post left orbital and maxillary sinus fracture, headaches, and nosebleeds are all rated as they currently stand.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and TMJ, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The veteran's chest pain, including a sliding hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux, is being remanded for further examination to determine if it was initially manifested in service or is related to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate, finding that she does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for her right knee disorder, cervical spine disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hemorrhoids were denied. The RO assigned a 10% rating to each condition.,Service connection was not granted for carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating than the current 10 percent assigned. The symptoms described are consistent with a 10 percent evaluation.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied as there is no evidence of an in-service stressor and the current psychiatric disorders are not related to service.,Service connection for GERD secondary to a psychiatric disorder was also denied due to lack of medical evidence showing that the GERD was incurred or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The initial compensable rating claim was also denied.

The Board found that new evidence did not establish a link between the veteran's current conditions and his active service, thus denying reopening of claims for spondylolisthesis, hip disorder, synaptic nerve disorder, and GERD.

The veteran's GERD with duodenitis and hepatitis C is rated at 60 percent, effective March 30, 2001. The veteran's bronchitis secondary to asbestos exposure is rated at 10 percent. Service connection for a left eye disorder has been granted.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding service connection for chronic hypertension, a chronic gastrointestinal disorder to include GERD, and a chronic kidney disorder; the assignment of an initial 20 percent evaluation for his Type II diabetes mellitus with cataracts; and the assignment of initial 10 percent evaluations for his right upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for GERD with esophagitis and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral hands and lower extremities, finding that there was no direct or secondary relationship to his military service. The veteran's PTSD was granted a 100% disability rating effective January 12, 2004.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for gastroesophageal reflux disease, chondromalacia of the right knee, and chondromalacia of the left knee are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD, finding that the veteran's symptoms have persisted since service and are only relieved by antacid medications. The other claims were withdrawn prior to a decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the RO found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his claims. The GERD with hiatal hernia claim was granted based on secondary service connection.