GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2013

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU and his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board granted service connection for GERD, finding that it was caused by the Veteran's military service and his service-connected PTSD. The sinus disease was found to have preexisted service but had been aggravated during service. Service connection for T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia was granted based on a presumption due to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's GI disability with GERD has been rated at 10 percent since May 2008. The Board finds that the evidence supports a rating of 30 percent effective from December 2007, when his weight was over 20% above his baseline.

The Veteran's muscle tension headaches have been granted a 30 percent rating, effective December 16, 2009. The other claims remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have GERD or hypertension that is related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal was denied across multiple issues, including PTSD, fibromyalgia, pulmonary sarcoidosis with asthma, tendonitis of the left ankle, retropatellar pain syndrome (myxoid degeneration) of both knees, human papilloma virus, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other conditions. The appeals were not granted for any of these issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for CFS, including as a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317 and encompassing complaints of achy joints, sore/weak muscles, recurrent rash of groin and neck, chronic bronchitis with coughing and shortness of breath, and low-grade fever, chills at sunset, tender glands, and a general feeling of not being well, has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and treatment records. The case will be returned to the Board for further review.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected IBS, gastroenteritis and GERD with dysphagia and odynophagia. The case is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected gastritis esophagitis has not been manifested by any nodular lesions or symptoms, and thus the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, finding that the condition was not incurred in active service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on May 11, 2010 were reimbursed as the emergency treatment was necessary due to a serious threat to his health and delay in seeking immediate care would have been hazardous.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically for her right knee and left foot callus of the 5th metatarsal head. As such, these claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied as she does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of PTSD has been denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for GERD.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted at a 50% rating effective July 13, 2009. The gastroesophageal acid/reflux disorder remains rated at 10%. The TDIU claim for the period prior to July 13, 2009 is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including the need for VA examinations to assess the current severity of his GERD and headaches.

The Veteran's care at CCHNH from November 4, 2009 to November 6, 2009 was deemed necessary due to an emergency medical condition (upper gastrointestinal bleed) and the Veteran's service-connected GERD. The Board found that it would not have been reasonable for the Veteran to use VA facilities prior to his admission on November 4, 2009, and thus payment or reimbursement is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of his claimed conditions, including sinus disorder, respiratory disability, acquired psychiatric disability, headache disorder, hypertension, and colon condition or GERD.