GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2008

The veteran's GERD with pyloric stenosis was rated at 10 percent prior to October 23, 2007. From that date, the rating was increased to 30 percent.

The appeal is remanded for a VA medical opinion to address the relationship between the veteran's exposure to chemical dioxins and his death.

The veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hypertension, a gastrointestinal disability, and a heart disability were denied as there was no competent evidence of current diagnoses or links to in-service events.

The veteran was granted a 10 percent disability rating for GERD, and service connection was established for endometriosis status post hysterectomy and seborrheic keratosis.

The veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent disabling for GERD and IBS, and a compensable rating for costochondrosis were remanded for further development.

The veteran was granted a 20 percent evaluation for erectile dysfunction prior to April 4, 2005, and the claim was denied from that date. The appeal for PTSD was withdrawn.

The veteran's skin cancer was service-connected, but his GERD was not.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for GERD, skin cancer, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and bilateral hearing loss for additional development of the medical record.

The Board increased the rating for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine to 20 percent, but denied a compensable rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The appeal in regard to service connection for thoracic aortic aneurysm with dissection is dismissed as the AOJ granted the claim.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to active military service.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for hepatitis C and remanded the issue of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him permanently bedridden, and he is not confined to his home by the service-connected disabilities. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD and left inguinal hernia were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and are not proximately due to a service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's military service and any of the claimed disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for GERD and a compensable disability rating for osteoporosis, as the evidence did not support a higher or compensable evaluation based on the current symptoms experienced by the veteran.

The veteran's left ear hearing loss disability was determined to be related to an injury from a mine explosion in service, while other conditions were denied service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disability, lower back disability, and upper back disability. The claims to reopen for right carpal tunnel syndrome and left carpal tunnel syndrome were also denied.

The veteran's GERD was denied a compensable rating prior to September 29, 2004 and the 10 percent rating since that date is not warranted. The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment.