GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2009

For the time period prior to October 14, 2008, the Veteran's hallux valgus of the right and left feet were not shown to warrant a compensable evaluation.,For the time period from October 14, 2008, the Veteran's hallux valgus of the right foot was manifested by moderate to severe deformity that limited function. The left foot remained noncompensably disabled.

The Veteran's service-connected lipomas are granted a 10 percent rating, and her GERD is found to be related to service. The claim for an increased rating for lipomas is granted.

The Veteran's GERD is found to be etiologically related to active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus, hypertension secondary to PTSD and diabetes mellitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) secondary to PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hearing loss, hypertension, sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction (ED), and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) were not incurred in or related to service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has granted service connection for flat feet disability based on aggravation during active duty. The Veteran's sinusitis, respiratory infection (claimed as viral flu, Kuwait crud, and chronic cough), fatigue, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are all found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diverticulosis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension are being remanded due to the inadequacy of the VA examination report. The case must be readjudicated with consideration of direct theories of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy and a skin disease, were denied as secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, and higher initial ratings for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran's hearing loss was rated as noncompensable. For hypertension, a rating of 10 percent prior to April 6, 2006, and 10 percent thereafter is granted. GERD remains at a noncompensable level.

The Veteran's flu-like symptoms have been associated with GERD, a diagnosed condition. The Board finds that service connection for the undiagnosed illness claim is not warranted as there are no objective indications of chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's service-connected residual scars, status-post appendectomy with adhesions are currently manifested by two scars. The Veteran is granted a disability rating of 10 percent for these scars.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease, finding that the Veteran's symptoms had their onset in service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for a higher rating for benign prostatic hypertrophy and the issue of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease was not addressed due to lack of information.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is caused or aggravated by his migraine headache medications.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.

The Veteran does not have a hiatal hernia with GERD that is attributable to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a fractured right fibula, with degenerative joint disease of the right ankle is granted. The claims for service connection for PTSD, malingering, hypertension, GERD, and basal cell cancer of the right cheek are denied. Service connection for arthritis of the right wrist and left wrist is also denied.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) since March 2, 1994.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a stomach disability. The Veteran's statements, along with private treatment records, suggest the possibility of gastrointestinal disorders dating back to his time in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional records from SSA.