GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2008

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination to determine if he suffers from a 'loss of use' of one or both lower extremities, which could affect his eligibility for specially adapted housing and adaptive equipment benefits. The RO/AMC will then readjudicate the claims based on this new information.

The Board denied service connection for Schamberg's purpura, GERD, residuals of a cut upper lip and nose, erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and heart murmur as not incurred or aggravated by active service.,PTSD was also denied as not incurred in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, a skin disorder, arthritis of the hands and elbows, and a gastrointestinal disorder. The Board found that pre-existing asthma was not aggravated by active service, that a skin disorder is not related to active service, and that arthritis of the hands and elbows are not related to active service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and post-traumatic stress disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including verification of in-service stressors and further examination.

The Board granted initial evaluations for left knee disability and GERD, with the left knee disability receiving a 20% evaluation effective August 4, 2003. The veteran's left knee condition was initially rated at 10%, but increased to 20% due to functional loss from pain.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability, low back disability, and GERD. The veteran's claims were not supported by competent evidence showing these conditions are related to his military service.

The veteran's GERD and benign neoplasms of the breasts have been granted service connection, with ratings increased to 10 percent for GERD and noncompensable for breast disorders.

The VA determined that the veteran's current gastric disability, including an ulcer and GERD, is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right leg thrombophlebitis and bilateral hearing loss, were denied. The veteran was granted service connection for retropatellar pain syndrome of the left and right knees with a 10% rating each, tinnitus with a 10% rating, and GERD with a non-compensable rating effective October 1, 2004.

The veteran's GERD was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, including as an undiagnosed illness. The Board finds that the evidence against the claim outweighs the positive evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and a gastrointestinal disorder, finding no evidence of chronic conditions in service or within the presumptive period following service. The diagnoses provided were attributed to known clinical diagnoses rather than an undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional records.

The veteran's GERD and pancreatitis are currently rated at 10 percent, while his left ulnar nerve entrapment is also rated at 10 percent. Both conditions do not warrant higher ratings based on the provided evidence.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of anxiety, GERD, or Raynaud's Syndrome and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active service. Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of various service-connected disabilities were denied by the Board. The appeals are not about service connection, but rather about the appropriate disability ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for kidney disorder, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease as they were not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the merits of the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a bilateral foot disorder. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hypertension and gastrointestinal disorder are not related to his service or any service-connected disability, leading to a denial of both claims.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training was denied as he does not have an employment handicap and his existing education and experience are sufficient to secure suitable employment.