GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted. The claims for hiatal hernia with GERD and other conditions are being remanded as new evidence was submitted post-October 2006 SOC.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression and Xanax abuse (70%), gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) (30%), degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine (10%), and status post laparoscopy including scars (10%), render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed low back disorder, stomach disorder, and hiatal hernia/gastroesophageal reflux disease are not related to his period of active service. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is causally related to his service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including IBS, hiatal hernia, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and duodenitis, has been manifested by diarrhea and constant abdominal distress. The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including VA examinations and the provision of updated medical records.

The Board denied all issues related to service connection and initial evaluations for various disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for increased ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hiatal hernia with GERD, irritable colon syndrome (ICS), and diverticulitis. The Veteran was rated based on predominant disability picture of hiatal hernia with GERD.

The Veteran's GERD is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and the criteria for service connection by aggravation have been met. The issue of prostate cancer has been remanded due to the need for special development procedures under VA regulations.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for GERD, and denied this claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his left knee disability and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied. The residuals of a fracture of the right ring and little fingers are not compensable.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at a 10 percent rating since February 7, 2006. A higher rating is not warranted for any period of time.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's GERD results in recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation. However, the symptoms do not result in material weight loss or severe impairment of health warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's original claim for service connection was received more than one year after his discharge from active duty, and thus the effective date of service connection is June 8, 2004.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a dental disorder and back condition with intermittent radiculopathy and sciatica were denied. The claim for the dental disorder was denied as it is not compensable under VA regulations, while the claim for the back condition was denied on the basis that there was no evidence linking the current disability to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and right knee disorder were denied, while his claim for acid reflux was granted. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for tinea versicolor is not established.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are productive of characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the last several months, but not monthly. The Veteran is granted a 10% disability rating for his migraine headaches. However, further examination and opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran's sleep apnea and GERD are related to service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Lee Memorial Hospital were denied as they did not meet the criteria for reimbursement under VA regulations or the Millennium Health Care Act.