GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2012

The Veteran is seeking service connection for gunshot/shrapnel wound residuals of the neck and buttocks. The issues also include entitlement to service connection for right leg disorder manifested by tingling and numbness, left leg disorder manifested by tingling and numbness, left shoulder melanoma (claimed as skin cancer), and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD).,The Veteran is seeking service connection for his claimed right leg disorder. The issues also include entitlement to service connection for left leg disorder manifested by tingling and numbness, left shoulder melanoma (claimed as skin cancer), and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD).,The Veteran is seeking service connection for his claimed left leg disorder. The issues also include entitlement to service connection for right leg disorder manifested by tingling and numbness, left shoulder melanoma (claimed as skin cancer), and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD).,The Veteran is seeking service connection for his claimed left shoulder melanoma (claimed as skin cancer) and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). The issues also include entitlement to service connection for right leg disorder manifested by tingling and numbness and left leg disorder manifested by tingling and numbness.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for his claimed gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). The issues also include entitlement to service connection for gunshot/shrapnel wound residuals of the neck and buttocks, right leg disorder manifested by tingling and numbness, left leg disorder manifested by tingling and numbness, and left shoulder melanoma (claimed as skin cancer).

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for hearings on his claims of service connection for GERD and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals during a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations. The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased evaluations, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are pending.

The Veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and opinion from a VA physician.

The Veteran's service-connected gastrectomy residuals are rated at the maximum allowable under the applicable rating criteria, and no extraschedular consideration is warranted.

The Board denied service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder other than GERD as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's current diagnoses of hiatal hernia and gastritis are not likely related to or aggravated by his PTSD.,The Board also denied service connection for a heart disability as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's coronary artery disease is less likely caused by or a result of his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea was withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The remaining issues of increased evaluations for back disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hemorrhoids are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, right knee scar, and GERD were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities that would warrant a grant of service connection or an increased rating.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for right foot strain has been withdrawn. The issues of increased ratings for diverticulosis and residuals of temporary colostomy with ventral hernia repair, and abdominal scars, residuals of ventral hernia repair are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the claim of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, claimed as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus, type 2.

The Veteran's GERD was not rated higher than 10 percent prior to November 20, 2009 and not rated higher than 30 percent beginning November 20, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, a digestive disorder (GERD), and a right foot condition. The low back condition was found to be not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination. The issue will be reconsidered with consideration of secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disorders, including hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophageal stricture, and chronic diarrhea, were not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service.

The Veteran's acid reflux with Barrett's esophagus is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a link to his active duty service, including exposure to herbicides. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support the claim.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including PTSD with alcohol dependence and degenerative joint diseases of the spine, knee, and foot, have rendered him permanently and totally disabled for pension purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions and assigned a 20% evaluation effective from April 4, 2005. The effective date is not earlier than this as it was received on that date.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity so as to preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, a spinal disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, medial epicondylitis, and colon polyps, were denied as the evidence did not show their onset during active military service or within an applicable presumptive period thereafter.