GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2012

The Board is remanding the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining an addendum to the April 2008 VA opinion regarding whether a service-connected disability caused or aggravated the Veteran's fatal metastatic gastroesophageal carcinoma.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's stomach disorder (GERD) is found to be service-connected, as it is claimed as secondary to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation exposure during military service. The other issues are not addressed due to lack of evidence or the complexity of the claims.

The Veteran's chest scar is considered service-connected as it is a residual of a shell fragment wound sustained during active duty. The digestive disability, including ulcers and GERD, is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing its onset in service or being related to the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's GERD with dyspepsia is found to have had its onset during service and is granted as incurred in service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea remains pending.

The Veteran's service treatment records do not show any complaints or findings of a stomach pain disability. Post-service medical records also lack evidence of such a condition.,For the period prior to January 14, 2010, the Veteran's acid reflux disease manifested by epigastric pain did not result in dysphagia, pyrosis, or regurgitation accompanied by substernal or arm/shoulder pain. From January 14, 2010 onwards, his condition has been characterized by persistently recurrent epigastric distress with scapular pain.

The Veteran's GERD was not shown to be incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examiner concluded that the GERD is less likely than not related to his active duty service.

Your claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling of hearings at the Huntington, West Virginia, RO.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and GERD, finding no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service or any service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bronchitis related to her service. The claims for increased ratings for left wrist degenerative joint disease, cubital syndrome of the left wrist, and gastritis and GERD with IBS are denied as there is no evidence of current disability or aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO/AMC for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and conducting a social and industrial survey. The goal is to determine whether his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and verifying the Veteran's current address. The Veteran is required to report for the scheduled examination or face potential denial of his claim.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy, low back disability, right shoulder and arm disabilities, neck disability with left arm pain, and GERD. The decision found that there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his military service or presumed exposure to herbicides.

The Veteran's GERD and low back disorder are found to be related to service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies, but granted noncompensable initial ratings for right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) effective November 8, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected GERD with hiatal hernia.

The Veteran's appeal for earlier effective dates and service connection was denied. The RO granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with a 40 percent rating, and GERD with a 30 percent rating, both effective January 8, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is being remanded due to the need for a comprehensive VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess his employability due to service-connected disabilities and the collection of outstanding medical records.