GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's stomach problems due to GERD were incurred in service and granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, to include gastroesophageal reflux disease and allergic rhinitis, are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for groin or scrotal pain, left carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic lumbar strain, spastic colon, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hemorrhoids have been denied. The claim for major depressive disorder was granted with a non-compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's GERD was initially granted service connection and rated at 10 percent since September 6, 2009. The Board found that the symptoms prior to this date met a 10 percent rating based on persistent symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, and substernal pain.

The Veteran's GERD, fatigue, and headaches were not found to be related to service or any presumptive exposure basis. The Board denied the claims of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, to include as secondary to his service-connected left inguinal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia, is being remanded due to inadequate development of the medical records.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is 60 percent, which does not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU. The RO denied his claim as he did not meet the minimum percentage evaluation requirement of two or more service-connected disabilities with a combined evaluation of 70 percent or more.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including bilateral upper extremity and left lower extremity numbness, were denied. The Board found that there was no competent evidence of a current disability related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and GERD were denied as there was no evidence of a current disability or a link to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for any of the conditions he is seeking service connection for, and therefore, these claims are denied.

The Veteran's sleep disorder, memory loss, and chronic tiredness are attributable to her service-connected chronic fatigue syndrome. Therefore, these conditions are not considered manifestations of an undiagnosed illness incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions were granted, with a disability rating of 20% for the cervical spine condition. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's GERD was rated as noncompensably disabling prior to February 12, 2010 and 10 percent thereafter. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities involving diseases of his digestive system have been assigned a single 60 percent rating, which already includes his recurrent aphthous ulcers. A separate compensable rating is not warranted for these ulcers.

The Board found that GERD was not incurred or aggravated in service and denied the Veteran's claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for gastrointestinal, lower back, left knee, and right knee disorders have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability is incurred in service and granted service connection for this condition. The remaining claims of entitlement to service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, fibromyalgia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for a bilateral leg disability and hiatal hernia with GERD have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or service connection.,The Veteran has not provided sufficient credible evidence to establish the presence of a current hiatal hernia with GERD, nor can it be linked to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete service connection determinations and need for additional medical opinions.