GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2010

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for asthma, degenerative joint disease at L5-S1 (low back disability), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including ear disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sleep apnea, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, bilateral foot disorder, GERD, cramps in legs and feet, back disorder, headaches, arthritis of the hands, and skin infection of the feet are not supported by the evidence. The Board finds that there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service or any period thereof.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for postgastrectomy syndrome and GERD remains on appeal. The RO is instructed to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination, obtain updated VA treatment records, and readjudicate the case.

The Veteran's GERD is caused by medication prescribed for his service-connected lumbar spine disability.,Service connection for tinnitus has been reopened and granted, with the cause being exposure to loud noise during active service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD is likely related to his service, warranting service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, and insomnia. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee and right ankle conditions and GERD, make it unlikely that he can maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability, right foot disorder, right foot scar, and GERD were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's gastric ulcer does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not manifest with moderately severe symptoms. The claim for an increased rating is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic bronchitis and an initial compensable rating for IBS/GERD, finding that there was no evidence of chronic bronchitis and that the current noncompensable rating assigned to IBS/GERD is appropriate.

The Veteran's service connection claim for residuals of pneumonia, other than GERD, was denied as there is no competent medical evidence of current residuals of pneumonia. The claim for service connection for GERD, claimed as a residual of pneumonia, will be remanded to the RO.

The Board has granted service connection for gastritis and GERD with hiatal hernia and subsequent Barrett's esophagus, dysplasia, and esophagogastrectomy. The Veteran's symptoms of chronic digestive issues during service are considered to be related to his current conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and further review of the medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and a right foot disability due to insufficient development and consideration.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease, including duodenitis, has been rated at 10 percent since July 30, 2002.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities, including right wrist tendonitis, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran is still entitled to the current evaluations assigned.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Veteran's asthma was not found to warrant a higher rating, and his obstructive sleep apnea was determined not to be related to his GERD.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA examination to address service connection claims for tinnitus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).