GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral keratoconus and hiatal hernia with esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease were denied as the evidence did not support higher evaluations.

The veteran's service-connected eczema and pseudofolliculitis barbae are rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable criteria. The claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sinusitis and pharyngitis were denied as there was no current medical diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and a gastrointestinal disorder as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or aggravation, and the conditions were not shown to be related to military service.

The veteran's GERD was service-connected, and she received a 10 percent rating for chronic allergic rhinitis starting from December 5, 2006. The other claims were denied or did not result in an increased rating.

The Board denies service connection for GERD based on the finding that recent medical and X-ray examinations have ruled out a current diagnosis of GERD.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for various disabilities were denied, as the evidence did not support ratings in excess of those currently assigned.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded to the RO for further development.

The veteran's initial claims for higher ratings for hiatal hernia with GERD and status post ureterolithiasis were denied as the evidence did not support a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection for any of the claimed conditions.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for several issues, and the remaining claims were denied or dismissed.

The veteran's service-connected GERD is not manifested by persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for right ear hearing loss was denied, as the evidence did not support a finding that his hearing loss is related to his military service.

The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease, manifested primarily by pyrosis and regurgitation, is productive of mild to moderate impairment. The Board finds that the current 10 percent rating is appropriate.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and a bilateral knee condition were reopened as new and material evidence was received.

The appeal was remanded for further evidentiary and procedural development due to the veteran's failure to cooperate with requests for medical records.

The veteran does not have an employment handicap, and therefore is not entitled to vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31.

The veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent, cognitive disorder is rated at 30 percent, and service connection was granted for right wrist sprain and lipoma.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability, diabetes mellitus (presumed secondary to herbicide exposure), gastroesophageal reflux disease with a hiatal hernia, and effective dates earlier than June 18, 2004, and February 9, 2005, for the grant of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, respectively.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD and a compensable rating for residuals of a fracture of the second and third metacarpals of the left hand.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for GERD and a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss were denied.