GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions, including asthma and bronchiectasis, sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, gastrointestinal issues, erectile dysfunction, and diabetes. The claims are related to service connection for these conditions based on exposure to Agent Orange during active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for hypoglycemia and bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service noise exposure. Service connection was denied for GERD due to withdrawal of appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's depressive disorder is proximately due to his service-connected PTSD, and his chronic skin disorder (pruritus/acne and tinea pedis) and gastrointestinal disorder are not related to active service or an undiagnosed illness due to Gulf War service.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, including ED and sleep apnea, as they were not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS has been manifested by recurrent epigastric distress after some meals, mostly controlled on medication, but with breakthrough symptoms of nausea and regurgitation. She also had frequent exacerbations of diarrhea and more or less constant abdominal distress. There is no objective clinical evidence of dysphagia, pyrosis, material weight loss, hematemesis, melena, or moderate anemia.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current left hip disorder, erectile dysfunction, or GERD to his military service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disorder (GERD) and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence received since the final denial in June 2004 does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have current disabilities of headache disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), sleep apnea, or a low back disorder that are related to his active duty service. The preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no current evidence of a left ankle disorder and the competent medical evidence does not support a finding of a current disability related to his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD but denied increased ratings for coronary artery disease. The effective date of the grant of service connection remains February 12, 2002.

The Veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is manifested by daily epigastric pain and burning, regurgitation with occasional episodes of vomiting occurring more frequently than weekly, and left shoulder pain. However, the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as it does not result in considerable impairment of health.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to evaluate his disabilities and determine if he qualifies for non-service-connected pension benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric disability, colitis, or acid reflux and heartburn attributable to active military service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Veteran's right hip, gastrointestinal, bilateral foot, respiratory, and sinus disabilities are found to be related to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed lumbar spine disability and his sinus and GERD disabilities are not related to service. The claim for a lumbar spine disability is denied, while the claims for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and GERD with hiatal hernia remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently shown GERD is related to service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's chronic gastrointestinal disorder, including PUD and GERD, is not considered to be caused or made worse by his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and an increased rating for PTSD were denied. The Board finds that further development is needed to ensure all relevant evidence has been considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disorders, specifically gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), first manifested during service. The claim is granted as these conditions are considered to be related to his active duty.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of left ear infections, bilateral hearing loss, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) have been reopened. However, the new evidence does not provide a valid diagnosis related to confirmed in-service stressors or establish a medical relationship with his pre-existing conditions.