GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for an anxiety disorder and a gastrointestinal disorder. The appellant's currently diagnosed anxiety disorder is found to be attributable to his active military service, raising a reasonable doubt in favor of service connection.,Service connection is granted for the aggravation of the appellant's GERD secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and obtaining SSA records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of current disability related to her in-service overdose of medication with forced vomiting. The gastrointestinal and joint pain issues are not considered service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection under Persian Gulf War conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records, including VA treatment records and SSA disability benefits documentation.

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability was granted a 40 percent rating effective May 21, 2009. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied. The Board found that the current evaluations assigned to his service-connected disabilities are appropriate.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and prostatitis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a broken collar bone, acid reflux, bilateral ankle disability, cellulitis, bowel disorder, migraines, kidney failure, hiatal hernia, and bilateral pes planus. The issues have been remanded to issue an SOC.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including left hip arthritis, right hip arthritis, lower back arthritis, radiculopathy/lower radicular group (nerve problems), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is not related to service or a service-connected disability.,The Veteran's GERD is related to his service-connected lumbar disc disease and the use of NSAIDs.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bronchiectasis and bronchitis, asthma, GERD, hypertension, bilateral eye disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and right hip disability. The Veteran's appeal was not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, right great trochanteric bursitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are granted. The other issues remain pending.

The Veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is rated at 10 percent, and his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right knee and left knee are each rated at 10 percent. The appeal for higher ratings remains pending.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 10 percent since April 6, 1999. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects his symptoms and disability level.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical evidence regarding the appellant's current condition and its impact on her ability to require regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders, including GERD, were not incurred or aggravated during his period of active service and are not related to any in-service disease or injury. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right Achilles tendon disability was not granted an increase in rating, while the other conditions did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions are not related to his military service or herbicide exposure.