GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2007

The veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks and dysthymia is currently rated at 70 percent, effective December 10, 2001. The RO has not granted a higher rating for this condition.,The veteran's service-connected multiple abdominal disorders are currently rated at 30 percent, effective August 30, 2002. The RO has not granted a higher rating for these conditions.,Prior to August 30, 2002, the veteran's service-connected dermatitis of the hands is rated at 10 percent. Since August 30, 2002, it is rated at 30 percent. The RO has not granted a higher rating for these conditions.,The veteran is currently assigned a combined rating of 90 percent due to her service-connected disabilities. She meets the criteria for TDIU based on her educational background and work experience.,The appeal does not involve any presumption, secondary connection, aggravation, or new and material evidence.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, multiple skin keloids over the chest and left shoulder, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have all been denied as not warranting any increased evaluations from September 1, 2003.

The Board denied service connection for hepatitis, gastrointestinal disorder, pes planus, low back disability, and disabilities of the elbows and hips. The claims were not reopened.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits. The December 2003 medical opinion supports a relationship between Agent Orange exposure in service and the disabilities that caused the veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the veteran's death due to gastroesophageal carcinoma, which is considered a service-connected disability.,The Board also granted eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus requires a higher evaluation from January 28, 2002. However, the issue of service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder remains in appellate status.

The veteran's dysthymic disorder is rated at 50 percent, GERD and IBS are each rated at 10 percent, patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right knee is rated at 10 percent based on limited range of motion due to pain, and right knee laxity is rated at 10 percent. Sinusitis has not been assigned a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's GERD and generalized anxiety disorder with OCD are not related to his period of service or his service-connected hypertension.

The Board found that the veteran's GERD was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty military service and is not etiologically related to a service-connected undiagnosed illness. The claim for service connection for GERD was denied.

The Board has determined that new evidence submitted by the veteran does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate his claim for service connection of abdominal cramping, fatty liver, cysts on the kidneys, and acid reflux disease. As such, the claim is denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), left knee disorder, and low back disorder have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current diagnoses for several of his claimed conditions, and thus service connection is denied. The remaining claims are also denied.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied. The RO has not rated all of his disabilities, including those related to his service-connected C5 radiculopathy with bilateral arm weakness, hepatitis C, carpal tunnel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gunshot wound residuals, and partial amputation.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient information of record and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's GERD, lumbar spine injury, and hypoglycemia are not related to his period of active military service.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's low back strain, but granted a 20 percent rating for his GERD. The decision is mixed as it addressed two separate issues.

The veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not related to his active duty service. The RO has scheduled VA examinations for the veteran's GERD and right wrist injury.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and need for additional medical examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a stomach disability, finding that the medical evidence did not support a link between the veteran's current condition and his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues include service connection claims and an effective date claim.