GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2009

The Board found no CUE in the prior rating decisions denying a TDIU, as there was insufficient evidence to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities precluded him from securing or maintaining gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was denied as his combined disability rating is less than the threshold requirements for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD is rated at 10 percent since December 18, 2005. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher initial rating of 10 percent for his GERD and denied other claims based on new and material evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for shortness of breath, hot sweats, choking, residuals of chlorine poisoning, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection. Service connection was not granted for a bilateral leg disability or residuals of pneumonia.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the residuals of a pelvic bone fracture, right and left knee disabilities, gastroesophageal reflux disease, lumbar spine disability, migraine headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea did not warrant higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's current gastrointestinal disability, including ulcers and GERD, was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current GERD is not related to his active military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, finding that it is proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability. The claim of entitlement to TDIU from April 26, 2000 to June 21, 2006 remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for GERD and tingling/numbness of the extremities were denied as they are not service-connected.,PTSD was also denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence that the claimed inservice stressor occurred.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the relationship between his sleep apnea and any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer with GERD produces continuous moderate manifestations, and the Board has granted an initial rating of 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of various joints and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to inadequate examination and insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, and the appellant is not eligible for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 or accrued benefits.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, specifically gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), was incurred in active military service. The Board granted service connection for this condition and assigned a 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's GERD does not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation, as it does not cause substernal arm or shoulder pain and is only productive of considerable impairment of health.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease results in frequent pyrosis and substernal epigastric pain, without recurrent dysphagia, regurgitation, or other symptoms productive of considerable impairment of health. The Board finds a compensable initial rating of 10 percent is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's headaches, disability manifested by choking and difficulty swallowing (GERD), and erectile dysfunction are all found to be related to service. However, the Veteran's skin cancer is not considered service-connected as it was not shown during service or within one year of separation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his psychiatric disorder, rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment from September 21, 1999, until February 6, 2007.