GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his gastric disability and hearing loss disability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for service-connected left ilioinguinal nerve neuralgia has been granted. The maximum schedular rating of 10 percent is assigned.

The Board denied service connection for GERD and found that there was no new and material evidence to reopen the claim for plantar fasciitis of the left foot. The issues regarding tension headaches, joint pain, neurologic symptoms, and sleep apnea were remanded.

The Veteran's current GERD is found to be related to his military service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated as a 10 percent disability, the minimum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7346. The condition is currently manifested by some epigastric distress with pyrosis and regurgitation.

The Veteran's pyloric channel ulcer with GERD has been manifested by epigastric distress, dysphagia, heartburn, reflux, regurgitation, substernal arm or shoulder pain, and sleep disturbances 4 times or more per year. However, his symptoms have not produced severe impairment of health.

The Veteran's low back disability and GERD were granted service connection, with the low back disability receiving a 40% initial rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's fatal cancer was not caused by his in-service service or a service-connected disability, but rather due to an unrelated cause. The decision is mixed as it granted some aspects of the claim and denied others.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is granted with a 10% rating, and his GERD is also granted as due to disease or injury incurred in active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD was denied because the Veteran failed to cooperate with a scheduled VA examination.

The Veteran's sinusitis did not manifest during service and is not related to any in-service event. It was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.,Hypertension was not manifested during service, nor within one year of separation from service. The Veteran does not have current hypertension.,There is no evidence of myocardial infarction during service and the Veteran does not currently have a heart disability to include myocardial infarction.,Gastroesophageal reflux disease did not manifest during service and is not related to any in-service event. It was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosed gastric ulcer.,The Veteran does not have a current liver disability.,Service connection for kidney disorder (calculi of the kidney) cannot be established as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis and it is not related to any in-service event. The claim has been reopened but remains denied.,There is no evidence of bronchial asthma or allergies during service, nor are they currently diagnosed. The claims have been reopened but remain denied.,Service connection for allergies and asthma cannot be established as there is no evidence of a medical nexus between the conditions and a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rate of SMC based on the need for a higher level of aid and attendance (A&A) has been denied as he is not shown to be in need of such care.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for sinusitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Board has determined that further development is needed, including obtaining medical opinions to determine the nature and likely etiology of these conditions.

The Board has determined that further examination and opinions are needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including hearing loss, upper respiratory disorders, GERD, and sleep apnea. The case is therefore being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's fatigue, headaches, chronic pain condition, respiratory symptoms, GERD, and weight gain/loss are not service connected as they do not meet the criteria for a qualifying chronic disability under VA regulations.

The appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing at the RO.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding medical records and authorization forms.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed as she withdrew her appeal for the issues of cysts of the uterus and ovaries, with subsequent hysterectomy and cholecystectomy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his service, and therefore denied all claims for service connection.