GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux are not productive of considerable impairment of health, while his external hemorrhoids more nearly approximate the criteria for a 10 percent rating. The initial ratings assigned have been determined to be appropriate.

The Veteran seeks service connection for various symptoms, including sleep apnea, rashes, neurological symptoms with muscle pain, hair loss, gastroesophageal reflux, headaches, respiratory disorder, and chronic fatigue. The appeal is remanded due to inadequate examination evidence.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ankle pain and hiatal hernia with chronic dyspepsia and gastroesophageal reflux have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating codes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is related to active service, and the Board finds that it was incurred therein. The claim for an undiagnosed illness is granted as new and material evidence has been received.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the VLJ who conducted his hearing no longer working at the Board. He will be given a new opportunity to testify before a Veterans Law Judge at the appropriate RO.

The Veteran's GERD has been granted service connection and rated at 10 percent, but the symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sinusitis, and a deviated nasal septum. The Board finds that these conditions are related to his military service.,Service connection is granted for all claimed conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine if an extraschedular evaluation for his service-connected hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease is warranted due to its impact on employment.

The Veteran's GERD was initially rated at 10 percent prior to April 16, 2010. As of April 16, 2010, the Veteran is entitled to a rating of 30 percent for his GERD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability and gastrointestinal disorders are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development as the current assessments do not adequately address the impact of her service-connected disabilities on her ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for chest pains/heart condition and stomach condition, gastroenteritis. The new evidence received since the final denial includes diagnoses of coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and current stomach disorders related to hiatal hernia. Service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating for his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inconsistencies in the VA psychiatric examination report and incomplete opinions regarding service connection for hypertension, gastrointestinal disability, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea.,Service connection for PTSD has been granted. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation. Service connection for hypertension, gastrointestinal disability, rheumatoid arthritis, erectile dysfunction, and sleep apnea are also on appeal.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is associated with his gastrointestinal disability (GERD, hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome). Service connection for these conditions is sought as secondary to the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for PTSD.,Service connection for hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis are denied. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea is also on appeal.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is associated with his gastrointestinal disability (GERD, hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome). Service connection for these conditions is sought as secondary to the Veteran's PTSD. The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for PTSD.,Service connection for hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis are denied. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea is also on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic stomach disorder, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not service-connected as it was not shown to be incurred during active duty, and there is no evidence of record linking his current condition to any service-connected disability. The claim for GERD secondary to PTSD is granted.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of all issues related to his service-connected musculotendinous strain of the right elbow, left elbow, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was not shown to be related to his service or service-connected adenocarcinoma of the cecal colon, status-post right hemicolectomy and/or secondary to colon cancer surgery. The VA opinions opposed the Veteran's claim.