GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including duodenal ulcer with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as it does not involve moderately severe disease with impairment of health manifested by anemia and weight loss or recurrent incapacitating episodes averaging ten days or more in duration at least four or more times a year.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic right ear disability manifested by Eustachian tube dysfunction or a chronic esophageal disability claimed as esophageal reflux disease, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for achalasia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, including an updated EGD report. The Veteran is also required to undergo a VA examination to assess the current severity of his digestive disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD with esophagus stricture on a direct basis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and medical opinion considering continuity of symptomatology since separation from service in 1980.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD and gastritis were not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lung cancer was not related to service, including asbestos exposure. The Veteran's PTSD and pre-existing stomach conditions were not found to be the immediate or underlying cause of his death.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities is being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence, including Social Security Administration records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining treatment records and arranging a VA examination by a gastroenterologist.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his gastroesophageal reflux disease, abdominal surgical scars, and shoulder surgical scars are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of his case.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for service-connected allergic rhinitis/sinusitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that GERD or Barrett's esophagus was incurred in service, caused by or aggravated by service-connected PTSD. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the appeal for additional development, including obtaining VA examination reports and obtaining treatment records. The Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected disabilities are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions. The appeal is pending further action.

The Board denied service connection for an eye disability and GERD, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service. The claim for anxiety reaction was also denied as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated as noncompensable prior to May 24, 2012 and was granted a 10 percent evaluation effective from May 24, 2012.,Prior to May 24, 2012, the Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome was rated as noncompensable. Since then, he has been assigned a 20 percent evaluation.,The Board found that there is no evidence of any service connection issues related to exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, Gulf War Syndrome, or other presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected vasomotor rhinitis and diverticulitis requiring surgical resection with acid reflux are currently rated as noncompensable (0 percent). The evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran's acid reflux was not incurred in service and is not due to herbicide exposure. The VA examiner found no link between the Veteran's current acid reflux and his military service.

The Veteran's reflux esophagitis has been stable and well-managed with medication. His symptoms have not resulted in significant impairment of health or severe manifestations as required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's GERD has been manifested by recurrent epigastric distress, including pain upon swallowing, constant heartburn, substernal pain and weight fluctuation without evidence of hematemesis, melena, or moderate anemia. The Board finds that the criteria for a rating of 30 percent have been met.