GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected GERD with hiatal hernia does not meet the criteria for a higher initial evaluation than 30 percent.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's claimed thyroid disorder, pulmonary disorder, vascular circulatory disorder, left eye growth, cancer spots on the face, and hydrocele. The issues were all decided as secondary to ionizing radiation exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability and GERD were not incurred or aggravated by his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 7346, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on his symptoms.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be related to service. The gastrointestinal disorder and genitourinary disorder are not found to be related to service, including due to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and found that the Veteran's current diagnosis of mechanical low back syndrome is related to his period of active service. The left elbow disorder claim remains pending as it was remanded.

The Veteran's left knee condition is currently rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The combined disability of the right and left shoulders warrants a 10 percent rating as separate disabilities are not more than zero percent.,Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) does not warrant an initial compensable rating. Hypertension also does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's stomach disorder or GERD was not incurred in service and is not related to his diabetes mellitus. The sebaceous cysts of the ears have no current disability rating as they are asymptomatic.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the Board found that his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria under VA regulations.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, postoperative scars on the back, facial scars, and GERD with hiatal hernia have all been rated at their maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Board finds that none of these conditions warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and review, as they are not ready for final decision.