GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection, and reopening of a claim are all granted. The Veteran is awarded an increased rating for his gastroesophageal hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis, but the issues regarding his right foot disability and residuals of right hand injury remain pending.

The Board granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including colon polyps, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and GERD. The decision noted that the Veteran had various gastrointestinal disorders since 1997 but did not find any evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, eczema, sleep disturbance, headaches, gastrointestinal disability (GERD), muscle and joint pain, and lumbar degenerative disc disease, were denied as the evidence does not support a relationship to service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD is not attributable to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a shell fragment wound of the left lower extremity, PTSD, hypertension, and GERD was denied. The Board found no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his left shoulder disability, as there was no limitation of motion to 25 degrees from the side.

The Board found no evidence of in-service exposure to ionizing radiation or appendicitis, and denied service connection for all claimed conditions.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for left ear hearing loss, GERD, and short term memory loss incurred during active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for renal dysfunction, gastritis as separate from service-connected GERD, depression with insomnia, and a skin disorder other than service-connected dermatitis are all denied. The evidence does not support the presence of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and GERD, finding that the Veteran's current psychiatric and gastrointestinal disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD is caused by NSAIDs prescribed for his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants service connection for GERD as secondary to the left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not render him permanently bedridden or so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. He is able to ambulate independently for short distances, is generally independent in self-care, is apparently able to feed himself, and is able to leave his house at his own discretion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to his request for a hearing and need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypothyroidism and gastroesophageal reflux syndrome are being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected PTSD aggravates her gastrointestinal disorders (GERD and IBS).

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to November 18, 2008.

The Veteran is entitled to special monthly pension based on housebound status due to multiple non-service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. He also meets the age requirement for this benefit.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the non-service-connected disability pension award, finding that entitlement arose on November 16, 2004, when the Veteran's private physician provided medical evidence supporting his claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding his claimed in-service assault and potential secondary service connection for GERD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed low back disorder, neck disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and gastrointestinal disorders are not service-connected.