GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the passage of time since his last examination for his service-connected GERD and Parkinson's disease. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins of the right leg, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as he withdrew these claims prior to the decision. The initial disability rating for a left knee disorder remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis is rated at 30 percent, warranting a higher rating than the current 10 percent. The right foot disability claim was not addressed as it does not appear to be part of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gallbladder disease, and hiatal hernia is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance, and GERD are all denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability that meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia has been manifested by intermittent epigastric pain, bloating, frequent heartburn, regurgitation about twice a month, and a single episode of vomiting. The symptoms are not productive of considerable impairment of health.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease/gastritis is currently rated at 10 percent prior to March 22, 2007 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) has been granted as new and material evidence has been received.

The Veteran's claims for initial evaluations of various conditions were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's cervical injury and acid reflux claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records from a chiropractor and arranging for VA examinations to address the onset and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of gastrointestinal surgeries with GERD and constipation are currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7329. The Veteran's ventral hernia is also rated at 40 percent. Both conditions meet the criteria for a 40 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as he does not have a current disability. The TDIU claim is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been granted, with a noncompensable disability rating assigned for her post-operative fibrocystic breast disease.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for alcoholism, acid reflux disease, and intestinal problems as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for seizure disorder, sleep apnea, and GERD. The evidence does not support a finding of current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations of his service-connected musculotendinous strain of the right and left elbows, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease, are being remanded due to a need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux was denied. The claim for service connection for residuals of a right elbow fracture, including the propriety of reducing his disability rating from 20 percent to noncompensable effective August 7, 2008, was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disorder, finding that the appellant's current diagnoses are related to his in-service experiences.

The Board has remanded the case due to inextricably intertwined claims for service connection for GERD and IBS, which are related to the Veteran's service in the Persian Gulf War. The claim for service connection for GERD is being considered along with the newly raised claim for service connection for IBS.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right inguinal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and migraine headaches are not related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, fibromyalgia, dysthymic disorder (claimed as depression), hypertension, loss of sense of taste, and loss of sense of smell. The claim for TDIU benefits was also addressed but is remanded.