GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the Veteran's digestive disorders, including GERD, hiatal hernia, and gastritis, are not related to service. The preponderance of evidence is against finding a link between these conditions and any incident during service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for GERD and osteoarthritis (other than lumbar spine) to determine if they are secondary to service-connected disabilities. The March 2012 VA examiner provided an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, increased rating for GERD, and a compensable rating for bilateral foot disability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hiatal hernia with GERD and erectile dysfunction have been granted, with a 100% disability rating effective from March 11, 2009.

The Board has granted service connection for dyspepsia (a gastrointestinal disorder) as it is proximately due to or a result of the Veteran's service-connected alcohol and cocaine dependence.

The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current GERD is related to his military service or secondary to his service-connected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Veteran's service connection for erythema multiforme is granted, and he is currently rated at a 10 percent rating for GERD from the date of claim.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum from the VA examiner who conducted the November 2011 VA examination for esophageal conditions. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD with alcohol dependence has made chronically worse his diagnosed GERD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, as well as correction of notice regarding secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches and stomach disorder are not service-connected, as they were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The Veteran was diagnosed with GERD but it is less likely than not related to in-service events.

The Veteran is unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities from July 20, 2005 to February 8, 2011.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for her service-connected right hip strain with arthritis, right shoulder arthroscopy, eczematoid dermatitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal by agreeing to the assigned disability ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability and residuals of umbilical hernia. The issues regarding the gastrointestinal disorder including GERD, esophagitis/ gastritis, and residuals of hiatal hernia are addressed in the remand portion.

The Veteran's initial ratings for GERD and epididymalgia, testalgia, and prostatitis were denied. The Board also remanded the issue of whether he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for a video conference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the earliest opportunity. The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) secondary to his service-connected sleep apnea is pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for hiatal hernia and has determined that he is entitled to service connection for hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Barrett's esophagus. The secondary service connection theory was established based on a private physician's opinion linking the Veteran's GERD and Barrett's esophagus to his service-connected hiatal hernia.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his duodenal bulb with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms was denied.,The Veteran's earlier effective date claim for the 30 percent rating was also denied.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis has not met the criteria for a compensable rating.,Prior to January 25, 2010, the Veteran's GERD did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. From January 25, 2010 onwards, his GERD symptoms have been sufficient to warrant a 30% rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for the withdrawal of all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's GERD has been productive of considerable impairment of health, warranting a 30 percent rating. The Board found that the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent have been met.