GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not shown to be productive of a disability picture that precludes her from securing and following some form of substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and work experience.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) and upper-GI system disorder (GERD) are not found to be related to service. The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current urinary/ bladder disorder, nor is there evidence of any skin or peripheral neuropathy. Service connection for cataracts is granted as they are proximately due to diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction was incurred in service and has persisted. The Board finds that the Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is also related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD and esophageal ulcers are not related to his military service, including any period of active or reserve duty.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need to obtain in-service mental health records from Evans Army Hospital at Fort Carson, Colorado.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the issues of service connection for asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to a motion for withdrawal of the appeal submitted by his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD and Barrett's Esophagus, was not incurred in service. The respiratory disability (previously claimed as throat disability) is addressed below.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including scheduling VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his GERD and erectile dysfunction, as well as the severity of his PTSD. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations and a videoconference hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and an increased rating for recurrent gastritis, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during service or an applicable presumptive period. The Board also found that medications prescribed to treat his service-connected chronic headaches did not cause or contribute to his GERD.

The Veteran's GERD/gastritis has been granted an initial compensable rating. The residuals of a punctured bladder have been denied for the period prior to August 21, 2007 and granted a 40 percent rating from that date forward.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD and ED were not incurred during his active military service, are not otherwise shown to be causally related to his service, and are not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's GERD symptoms, including persistent recurrent epigastric distress with heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain with shoulder pain, have been found to meet the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating since November 5, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran wishes to withdraw his appeal regarding high blood pressure. The claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and GERD have been reopened, but the effective date claim remains on appeal as the Veteran did not provide a valid reason for withdrawing it. Service connection for bilateral glaucoma is granted with an effective date of March 30, 2009.

The Board denied service connection for a vocal cord disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and low back disability. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeals are being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the criteria for an initial compensable rating for left ankle DJD prior to November 2, 2006, and in excess of 10 percent since that date have not been met. The Veteran's GERD has also not met the criteria for a higher rating.