GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected low back disability is found to be the primary cause of his acid reflux disease. The Veteran's lower extremity and mental health disabilities are also found to be related to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn. The Board dismissed the claims for service connection and increased ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression and increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and GERD. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of depression, and his GERD was not shown to be related to his service-connected disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lung cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease due to exposure to Agent Orange. The evidence did not establish in-country service in Vietnam or credible evidence of such service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, a left wrist and hand disorder, a left ulnar nerve injury, RSD of the left upper extremity, upper back, and anterior chest, and Horner's syndrome with lagophthalmos and constriction of the left pupil. The decision found that new evidence did not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate any claim.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of a removal of a lesion from the lower lip was granted. The Veteran also received an initial rating of 30 percent for his GERD with diverticular disease, status post surgery.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and medical opinions to address the etiology of his claimed conditions and their relationship to service or other disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his current disability status and ability to perform daily activities.

The Veteran's chronic stomach or intestinal disorder, GERD, and chronic sinusitis are not service-connected. Migraine headaches may be related to service but the evidence is inconclusive.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for the lower back disability and higher initial ratings for gastroesophageal reflux disease with Barrett's esophagus status post nissen fundoplication, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed low back disability, left knee disability, GERD, skin rash, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is rated at 30 percent, effective May 2003. The Veteran's bronchial asthma with sleep apnea is rated at 60 percent, effective May 2003.

The Veteran does not have sleep apnea or GERD that was incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disorder, including GERD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, specifically PTSD, will also be adjudicated as it is inextricably intertwined with the stomach disorder claim.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's in-service stressors are related to his fear of hostile military or terrorist activity. Service connection was denied for gastroesophageal reflux due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as he did not have any diagnosed conditions related to his active or reserve service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and ensuring proper notification to the Veteran regarding his claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for Crohn's disease and related conditions is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's initial claim for a GI disability was granted with a 0 percent evaluation prior to May 9, 2007. After May 9, 2007, the Veteran is entitled to a 30 percent evaluation for his service-connected GI disability.