GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2007

The veteran's claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, anxiety and depression, hepatitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are all denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions, they are not related to service, or the evidence does not support a finding that they were incurred in service.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, finding that the veteran's reported symptoms started during his period of active duty. The other claims were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not currently have GERD, and therefore service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for right hand, left hand, and left knee disabilities are denied. The veteran's gastrointestinal symptoms have been attributed to known clinical diagnoses.

The veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for his service-connected coronary artery disease and fractures, as well as service connection for sinusitis and acid reflux disease. The case is being remanded to the RO for additional development including a secondary service connection claim for acid reflux disease.

The veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a fractured right ring finger, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been granted with respective 10% ratings. Other service connection claims remain unresolved.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a back disorder, and hypercholesterolemia. The decision found no evidence of chronic disability resulting from an injury or disease in service.

The Board denied service connection for low back pain and assigned a 10 percent disability rating for coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction. The veteran's GERD and bilateral hearing loss were already granted with noncompensable ratings.

The veteran is seeking service connection for gastrointestinal disability, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, and residuals of a gastrectomy. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and conduct a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's GERD was manifested during active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chronic low back pain was granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective from May 17, 1998.

The veteran's application for Service Disabled Veterans' Insurance (RH) was denied because he did not meet the criteria of 'good health,' as defined by VA, due to his nonservice-connected arthritis of the hips and other disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to address the service connection claims for various disorders, including right knee disorder, left knee disorder, left shoulder disorder, right foot numbness, low back pain, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current acid reflux disease, hiatal hernia, mental stress, and Hepatitis C to his military service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only under VA regulations.

The Board found no evidence of a gastrointestinal disorder or disease in service, nor any chronic gastrointestinal condition that could be manifested as reflux. The veteran's claim for cardiovascular disorders is remanded due to the need for further examination and development.

The veteran's service records do not show any diagnosed respiratory, knee, ankle, arthritis, urinary tract infection, low back strain, eye condition, migraine headaches, or stomach conditions. The VA examinations and treatment records also did not provide evidence of these conditions during the appeal period. As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

For the period prior to August 15, 2003, the veteran's GERD was asymptomatic and well-controlled. After this date, symptoms of regurgitation and pyrosis were noted but did not meet criteria for a higher rating.,The veteran's diabetes mellitus required insulin and a restricted diet but did not restrict his activities. The disability due to status postoperative bilateral bunionectomies with flat feet was rated at 30 percent, as there was no evidence of marked pronation or inward displacement.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current GERD is related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn regarding hypertension. The Board finds that the evidence does not support service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, GERD, chronic joint pain of all major joints, shortness of breath, bleeding gums, frequent diarrhea, or chronic headaches as due to an undiagnosed illness.