GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2011

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current left arm and shoulder condition, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The claims of entitlement to increased ratings for residuals of right clavicle fracture and service connection for migraine headaches and GERD are also denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The claim for a left foot disability is pending. The claim for a low back disability remains pending.

The Veteran's GERD was manifested by pain, regurgitation, and occasional vomiting but without anemia, significant weight loss or malnutrition, or severe impairment of health. The Board granted a disability rating of 30 percent for GERD.

The Veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease since March 18, 2008 was denied as the evidence did not show that her service-connected condition resulted in persistently recurrent symptoms warranting a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private medical records. He also needs to be afforded VA examinations for his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal and genitourinary conditions, as well as her migraine headaches.

The Board found that the Veteran's right ear hearing loss is not service-connected, as there was no evidence linking it to his military service. The other conditions were also denied due to lack of evidence connecting them to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to increased ratings for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right Achilles tendonitis with tarsal tunnel release, left Achilles tendonitis with residuals and tarsal tunnel release, and bipolar disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD and asthmatic bronchitis are related to his service-connected psychogenic gastrointestinal disturbance, warranting a grant of service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Veteran was granted a compensable rating for right ovarian cyst and uterine fibroid.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining specific information regarding his periods of active duty and inactive duty training in the Army Reserve.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hiatal hernia does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's GERD and bilateral pes planus have been granted increased ratings, but her low back disorder remains unresolved. The right knee arthritis claim is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have liver disease or GERD, and therefore his claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD. As a result, the Board dismisses this claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disease or injury, including his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for diabetes mellitus. The evidence submitted since the last final denial is considered new and material, as it relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim (the need for a link between diabetes and exposure to herbicides).