GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer is currently rated at 40 percent, effective June 17, 2014. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for this condition prior to June 17, 2014 or from June 17, 2014 onwards.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and a respiratory disability, including COPD, asthma, and sinusitis are being remanded due to inadequate development.

The preponderance of the evidence shows that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not make him unable to obtain or retain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, to include acid reflux disease, is related to his active duty service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for left and right ankle sprains, as well as gastrointestinal disability with history of old healed ulcer duodenum (gastrointestinal disability), were denied. Service connection for low back disability was also denied.

The Veteran's claim was partially granted, with some issues receiving a higher rating and others remaining at the current level. The service connection for certain conditions is established, but not all claims were successful.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS is currently rated at 30 percent, effective August 17, 2013. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical strain, bilateral hearing loss and sinusitis. The Veteran was granted service connection for depression, Type II diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, osteoarthritis of the left knee and right knee, but his initial ratings were assigned at 10%, 20%, 0% and 0% respectively.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, bilateral ankle and knee disabilities, GERD, residual scar from a left breast lumpectomy, tinnitus, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be related to her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, claimed as a residual of intestinal parasites, is not service-connected. The VA examiner found no evidence linking GERD to the ascaris infection in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathies, gastrointestinal disorder (hiatal hernia and GERD) secondary to PTSD, and sleep disorder secondary to PTSD. The claim asserting CUE in the February 16, 2005 rating decision denying service connection for alcohol abuse secondary to PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a video conference hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for VA treatment records from various facilities. The claims will be reconsidered after these records are obtained.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including patellofemoral arthralgia of the left knee, gastritis and GERD, bronchitis, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left ankle arthralgia, and left hip strain, do not render her unemployable due to her disabilities. The Board finds that she is capable of performing more sedentary employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for scheduling a Board hearing. The AOJ will then return the case to the Board after the hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current diagnoses of otitis media or a stomach disability, and therefore service connection for these conditions cannot be granted. The Veteran's claims are denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hiatal hernia with GERD was denied because he failed to report for a VA examination scheduled in connection with his claim.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 30 percent since August 22, 2008. The Board finds that a higher rating is warranted.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disabilities, including GERD, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and small bowel resection, did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent. The evidence did not show symptoms more closely approximating severe impairment of health.