GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2012

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD and hiatal hernia, was not first manifested during service or related to any service-connected disability. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of chronic upper respiratory infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or residuals of mononucleosis.,Service connection for these conditions was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his digestive disability, including GERD with duodenal ulcer and postgastrectomy syndrome. The case will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video conference Board hearing at the RO. The issues on appeal include service connection claims and increased rating claims.

The Veteran's service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with gastrointestinal symptoms has been rated at 30 percent since March 19, 2007. From August 13, 2008, the rating was increased to 50 percent.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding all issues related to service connection and evaluations for GERD, left knee disability, tinnitus, and GAD.

The Veteran's GERD has not resulted in any symptoms that meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, SSA records, and any other relevant medical records. The case will be readjudicated after the additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's left flat foot was incurred in service and granted service connection. The right flat foot, GERD, and IBS were not found to be related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are related to his military service, while musculoskeletal chest pain is not a compensable disability.

The Veteran's digestive system disability, characterized as duodenal ulcer and GERD, causes moderate to considerable impairment in health but does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a skin condition due to exposure to herbicides. The appeals are granted.

The Board found no evidence of a current gastrointestinal or sinus disorder and concluded that any such disorders are not related to service. The Veteran's symptoms were attributed to post-service conditions.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal disorder is not service-connected, and the issues of service connection for hypertension and diabetes mellitus are denied.,Service connection was granted for tinnitus with a 10% rating effective March 6, 2004. The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection are not addressed as they have been referred back to the RO.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral macular degeneration and major depressive disorder, have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment for the time period since January 31, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including ulcer, GERD, and IBS with chronic constipation. The AOJ must ensure that all requested actions have been accomplished in compliance with this remand.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected left ankle tendonitis, resolved concussion for residual headaches, light headedness, and vertigo, and GERD are being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records and provide updated VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a clarifying addendum to the VHA opinion or a new medical examination/opinion addressing lay evidence of in-service GERD.