GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's acid peptic disease and GERD are currently rated at 10 percent, effective February 1, 2004. The Board found that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly his lumbar spine condition, has been established. He requires assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and handling finances.

The Veteran's skin condition and joint condition are not service connected. The Veteran's IBS is granted on a direct basis, as it had onset in service. GERD is also granted on a direct basis, as the Veteran reported symptoms since 1993.

The Veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer, sliding hiatal hernia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are currently rated at 30 percent. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms do not include severe impairment of health or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his GERD has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, gastroenteritis with GERD, hemorrhoids, and left knee disability were denied. The Veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss or a rating in excess of 20 percent for his cervical spine disability. He also does not meet the criteria for a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete development and the need for additional examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused by or related to his service-connected PTSD, and thus denied the claim for service connection for cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, right knee, tendonitis of the right shoulder and wrist, hemorrhoids, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) from March 1, 2008 were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the claim for a new VA examination to assess whether the Veteran's current gastrointestinal complaints, including GERD, are related to his in-service gastrointestinal problems and treatment.

The Veteran's claimed stomach disability, diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is not related to service or a service-connected condition and was not caused by or aggravated by her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's right hand disability and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with diverticulitis did not manifest during, or as a result of, active military service.

The Board is remanding the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum to a VA examination and considering newly submitted evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the nature and etiology of his claimed esophageal ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining records from Bremerton USNH and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current hiatal hernia/GERD disability is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a right tibia stress fracture and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's sinusitis with allergic rhinitis is manifested by an absence of greater than 50-percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction of one nasal passage, and he has no polyps. He has non-incapacitating episodes of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge. The criteria for a 10 percent rating are met.

The Veteran's hepatitis B, hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gallstones have been granted service connection. The initial rating for hepatitis B has been increased to 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected perforated esophagus through and through with GERD, left vocal cord paralysis due to tracheal injury, gunshot scars and tracheostomy scars neck, and comminuted fracture third metacarpal left hand are not entitled to increased ratings prior to December 9, 2008. Effective December 9, 2008, the Veteran's service-connected perforated esophagus through and through with GERD is rated at 10%. The Veteran's service-connected gunshot scars and tracheostomy scars neck are not entitled to increased ratings. The Veteran's service-connected comminuted fracture third metacarpal left hand is rated at 10% effective December 9, 2008.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disorder, left knee disorder, left foot/ankle disorder, lower back disorder, and GERD as secondary to his service-connected right foot/ankle disorder.