GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2013

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability and gastrointestinal disorder, finding new and material evidence. The Veteran's current diagnoses of scoliosis, multi-level intervertebral disc changes of the thoracic spine, age-indeterminate fracture of T8 vertebral body, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia, esophagitis and gastritis raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not establish a relationship between his current conditions and his military service, including herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his service-connected conditions did not warrant a higher rating or additional service connection. The scar of the left parietal area of the scalp, while present, did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of voiding dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, acid reflux, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the hands at a hearing before the Board.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's stomach disorder, including GERD, is related to his service or treatment for a service-connected disability. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Board found that the Veteran's COPD and gastroesophageal ge junction adenocarcinoma are not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and coronary artery disease, are of such a nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and verifying periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA. The Veteran's claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion from the VA examiner regarding whether his gastrointestinal disability was caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's GERD and IBS have been rated at a noncompensable (10%) level, as the symptoms are considered mild with occasional disturbance of bowel function.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a new VA examination to address the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric conditions and his stomach disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of his pyloric channel ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as obtaining recent treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression has been granted, and an effective date of March 10, 2005 is established. The Veteran is now rated at 100% for depression from October 4, 2006, with SMC at the housebound rate effective October 4, 2006.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of his psychiatric disorder, right arm disorder, and post-operative residuals of left inguinal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), all claimed as secondary to his service-connected thoracic spine disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and clarification of the severity of the appellant's service-connected conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia. The claims are to be readjudicated after all necessary actions have been taken.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia was initially granted a noncompensable disability rating prior to September 13, 2010. From September 13, 2010, the Veteran is entitled to a 10 percent disability rating for his condition.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings and an earlier effective date.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for fatigue, joint pain with muscle aches (other than disability of the bilateral ankles), and sleep apnea due to undiagnosed illness. The evidence received since the September 1997 rating decision raises a reasonable probability of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, resulting in dismissal of the case.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have gastroesophageal reflux disease or irritable bowel syndrome with spastic colon and constipation that is related to service.