GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected GERD with hiatal hernia and Barrett's esophagus has been rated at 10 percent since June 1, 2006. The Board found that the condition warrants a higher rating of 30 percent due to symptoms including epigastric distress, regurgitation, substernal pain, and significant impairment of health.

The Veteran's service connection for headaches and fatigue has been granted. Headaches are deemed to have been incurred in service, while fatigue is secondary to his service-connected GERD.

The Veteran's GERD is evaluated at a 10 percent rating, but no higher.

The Veteran's dry eye disability is service-connected and warrants a 10% rating.,Prior to July 27, 2009, the Veteran's hiatal hernia disability warranted a 30% rating based on severe symptoms. After July 27, 2009, it warrants a 60% rating due to significant weight loss and other severe symptoms.,The Veteran's headaches are characterized by very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability and warrant a maximum 50% rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that there was no evidence to support a secondary relationship between these conditions and his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a liver disorder and digestive disorders, including diverticulitis and GERD, finding that there was no current diagnosis of these conditions other than hepatitis. The Board also found that any such conditions were not caused or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal conditions, including GERD and hiatal hernia, duodentitis (stomach ulcer and duodenal condition), erosive gastritis, and asthma are not related to his service-connected anxiety disorder. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, osteoarthritis of multiple joints, and acid reflux disease were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The disorders are presumed to be related to his military service due to exposure to herbicide agents like Agent Orange.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his shoulder disabilities and GERD.

The Veteran's GERD and sleep apnea are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was not shown to be related to service, and the Board found no evidence of a nexus between GERD and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with the exception of those related to hearing loss and arthritis pain. The Veteran was also awarded initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for certain conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD, as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination.

The Veteran's asthma is service connected, but his digestive problems are not. The Board found that the current digestive issues are unrelated to service.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and GERD have been rated, with the initial rating of 10 percent for both conditions effective December 1, 2009. The RO has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a personal hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbar strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus of the left foot, and GERD were granted with a 20 percent rating effective from January 16, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were generally granted, with some issues remanded. The cervical spine disability was granted a higher rating after April 26, 2006, while other conditions like gastritis, hemorrhoids, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome in the left wrist, PTSD, tinnitus, hypertension, and vertigo/dizziness (claimed as dizziness) were not established as service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux with Barrett's esophagus, to include as due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange), is being remanded for additional development of medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with peptic ulcers were denied. The Veteran's service connection claims are based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary to another condition.