GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a new VA examination of his digestive system and additional development, including obtaining records from the Orlando VAMC.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination. The claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Board found that the appellant did not have a diagnosed mental condition, including PTSD. The claims for sexual dysfunction and gastrointestinal conditions were denied as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or relationship to service. The claim for acid reflux was also denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service. The back condition and tinnitus claims were similarly denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected hemorrhoid disability. The skin disorder, affecting more than 40% of exposed areas and requiring constant systemic treatment, warrants a 60% rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) information. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for an extension of the period of eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services due to his ability to overcome employment handicaps and his current capabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected abdominal wound and lumbosacral strain were denied. The Veteran was not granted a TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of cholecystectomy with scars was denied as his condition is currently evaluated at noncompensable (0%) and he has no current symptoms or impairment.

The Veteran's claims for initial disability ratings or service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating or higher for his GERD with hiatal hernia, DJD of the right great toe metatarsophalangeal joints with cheilectomy right great toe, and DJD of the left great toe metatarsophalangeal joints and osteotomy left second toe. The Veteran's claims for service connection were also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that hypertension and Type II diabetes mellitus are not related to service, and there is no evidence of herbicide exposure or PTSD in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD was denied as there is no medical evidence linking the condition to his military service. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was also denied, with the VA examiner concluding that the GERD is less likely than not caused by the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's headaches are found to be secondary to her service-connected depression, and she is granted service connection for a headache disorder. The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have sores on the back of his head and neck, acid reflux, urinary infection, or prostate cancer that are related to his military service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his headaches and gastritis, as well as whether he has any history of diarrhea. The claim will also be considered on both a schedular and extra-schedular basis.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, and his claim for a TDIU was denied. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his GERD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for any of the conditions she is claiming service connection for, and thus, her claims are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acid reflux, left wrist condition, and depression as secondary to his service-connected bilateral foot disabilities have been denied. The maximum rating of 30 percent has been assigned for residuals of bilateral foot frostbite.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to unclear evidence regarding his employability.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted and assigned a 50 percent evaluation for the period prior to June 1, 2006.