GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's GERD is related to his service-connected dyspepsia and has been granted as secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his hearing loss, gastrointestinal conditions, knee and elbow disabilities, as well as secondary service connection claims. The case is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing and issuance of a Statement of the Case on severance of service connection for hearing loss and secondary service connection for low back, right hip, and left hip disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including acid reflux, back disability, fibromyalgia, sinus condition, hearing loss, blurring in both eyes, sleep apnea, acquired psychiatric condition (PTSD, depression, anxiety), cartilage loss in both knees, gout in ankles and feet, and chronic left ankle fracture. The Board found that the evidence did not support a service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.,Evidence submitted since the April 2009 rating decision did not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims for ulcerative colitis/Barrett's esophagus and left shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical examinations and opinions to address the issues of service connection for lumbar strain with sciatica, hiatal hernia, bulimia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen his left knee disability claim. The psychiatric disorder and acid reflux claims were also denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his OSA and GERD.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder (GERD and gastritis) on the basis that it was incurred in or aggravated by service. The remaining issues of service connection for residuals of malaria, left arm disorders, bilateral leg disorders, psychiatric disorders, and dizziness/hot flashes are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia was increased to a 30 percent evaluation effective March 30, 2009. The earlier effective date for the TDIU claim is granted.,An effective date prior to March 30, 2009 for the assignment of a 30 percent evaluation for GERD with hiatal hernia is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for VA examinations and updated medical records.

The Board denied service connection for GERD and hiatal hernia, finding that the Veteran's conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to incomplete service treatment records and inadequate VA examinations. The claims for GERD, hiatal hernia, and obstructive sleep apnea will be reviewed again with new evidence and opinions.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD), erectile dysfunction, acid reflux, and a sleep disorder. However, further development is needed to determine if these conditions are related to military service.

The Veteran's asthma has been granted a 60 percent evaluation from February 11, 2003 to February 26, 2004. The remaining claims have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to address the etiology of his sleep apnea and GERD, as well as to determine the current severity of his service-connected left ear otitis media.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease status post lumbar surgery with scar is productive of severe pain and limited motion, warranting a 40 percent rating effective August 1, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and acid reflux must be remanded due to additional development being required. The lung condition claim is reopened but remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability is related to in-service back injuries and his service-connected knee disabilities. The claim for GERD was remanded due to inadequate medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and factual development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD was not caused and is not being permanently aggravated by a service-connected disability, including medication for PTSD. Therefore, his claim for service connection for GERD is denied.