GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2013

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and an upper respiratory disorder, as well as his initial rating for GERD and increased rating for low back disability. The claim for TDIU is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the hearing officer who conducted his July 2006 hearing no longer working at the Board. He has been offered a new opportunity for a videoconference hearing and has chosen this option.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension by reason of needing aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for such benefits based on his nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has granted a maximum 50 percent rating for migraines. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded due to the complexity of the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disability, including GERD and a possible hiatal hernia, is not related to his service or complaints noted therein. Therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's digestive tract disorder and sleep apnea were not found to be related to his military service. The digestive tract disorder was attributed to alcohol abuse, while the sleep apnea was considered a direct result of his military service.

The Veteran's claim for compensation benefits under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for a gastrointestinal disorder, to include gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is being remanded due to the need for scheduling a Travel Board Hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastritis is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The issue of whether GERD was caused or aggravated by PTSD, gastritis, or other factors remains unresolved and will be addressed in a future decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD and IBS are related to service, with aggravation during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's GERD was granted service connection and rated at 30 percent effective from April 14, 2009. The condition is characterized by persistent symptoms including heartburn, dysphagia, epigastric pain, regurgitation, and bloating.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for post-operative compartment syndrome of the left lower extremity, gastroesophageal reflux disease with diarrhea, and plantar fasciitis with heel spurs of both feet have been granted at a 10 percent level. The appeal is resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant before a decision was made.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for GERD, which he claims began during his military service. The Board has ordered additional development to obtain relevant medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete information and need for further examination regarding his claimed psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and stomach disorder, including gastritis and GERD. The Veteran will be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the etiology of any diagnosed conditions.

The Veteran's claim of competency is being remanded for further development due to conflicting evidence on his mental capacity. A new VA examination will be conducted to reassess whether he is competent to handle his financial affairs.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease, had onset in service and is now granted. The claim of secondary service connection for irritable bowel syndrome is also addressed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to his in-service injury and the RO confirmed this determination.,New and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a right foot injury.

The Veteran's throat disorder was found to be due to a self-limited bout of tonsillitis in service, which is not considered a current disability. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for his stomach disorder and the claim remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS with GERD is predominantly manifested by alternating diarrhea and constipation, with complaints of more or less constant abdominal distress. The Board finds that a 30 percent evaluation is warranted throughout the applicable period.