GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) were denied, as the symptoms are primarily related to a bacterial infection rather than medication use. The Veteran's right brachial plexus injury was also denied an increased evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, basilar artery stenosis, GERD, and HCV. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. He also needs to be scheduled for examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected low back disability, bilateral chondromalacia patella, and GERD.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease, gallstones, pancreatitis, cholecystectomy, diabetes mellitus, scars, and gastroesophageal reflux disease is granted. The issue of service connection for hemorrhoids has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including arteriosclerotic heart disease with myocardial infarction, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, insomnia, right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, headaches, shortness of breath or respiratory disease, circulatory insufficiency of the legs and feet (peripheral vascular disease), bilateral ankle edema, blurry vision, and gout were denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on appeal are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further examination.

The Veteran's stomach condition, manifested by diarrhea and constipation, is rated at the highest schedular rating possible (30 percent), which grants him the benefit sought on appeal. His GERD is also service-connected as secondary to his stomach condition.

The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disorder, erectile dysfunction, neuropathy of the lower extremities, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and lumbosacral spine disability. The appellant is not entitled to these claims as his conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine DDD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling prior to November 28, 2005 and 20 percent disabling on or after that date.,The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine DDD is currently rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Veteran's GERD/Barrett's esophagus and gallbladder disease were not shown to be related to service, and the Board found no evidence of onset during service. The Veteran's hemorrhoids are denied as there is no credible evidence that they began in service.,PTSD and IBS claims are both pending due to insufficient information.

The Veteran's GERD was incurred during his active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for ED, bladder and kidney disability (claimed as nocturia and urinary frequency), and GERD. The Board found that these conditions were not incurred or aggravated in service and are not proximately due to, or the result of, his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease and sinusitis have not been shown to warrant a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's sinusitis has not been shown to be productive of incapacitating episodes or other symptoms warranting an increased rating. The dermatophytosis of the left foot does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that his right shoulder disorder, hypertension, and acid reflux disease are not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and GERD, finding that there is no evidence to support a secondary relationship between these conditions and his service-connected major depressive disorder.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease and residuals of removal of gallbladder, finding that his symptoms more nearly approximate those necessary for a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7318.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial disability ratings for his service-connected gastrointestinal and sinus conditions was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his GI disorder, as it did not meet the criteria for a 60 percent evaluation under DC 7346. For his sinusitis, there were no incapacitating episodes or non-incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication of all issues on appeal, including service connection claims and a claim for an increased rating for PTSD.