GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequacy of a previous VA medical opinion, and additional evidence is needed to determine if the Veteran's digestive tract disorder is related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected residuals of cholecystectomy did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there was no evidence of severe symptoms resulting from the procedure.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and an upper gastrointestinal system disorder (GERD) as these conditions were first diagnosed during active duty. The lumbar spine and left hip disabilities are not considered to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including psychiatric disorders, GERD, cervical and lumbar spine conditions, sinusitis, eczema, erectile dysfunction, and hip disorder. The claims are being remanded for additional development of the record.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection due to lack of evidence linking his current conditions to his period of honorable military service. The character of discharge from March 1961 to March 1962 period of service is also considered.

The Board has determined that the appeal for service connection for sinusitis and GERD with hiatal hernia is dismissed as the claims have been fully granted in a May 2012 rating decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD is related to service, but there is insufficient evidence linking his IBS to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and his low back disability is at least as likely as not related to service. As such, both conditions are granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chemical hepatitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to the need for additional VA opinions on alternate theories of entitlement.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension and an increased evaluation for a left calf disability. The Veteran's hypertension was not shown to be related to service, while the left calf disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn. For the entire rating period, GERD has been manifested by persistently recurrent epigastric distress with heartburn and regurgitation, warranting a 10% rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right shoulder or right ankle disability, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied.,Regarding GERD, while the Veteran currently has this condition, there is no probative medical evidence linking it to her in-service gastrointestinal issues. The claim of service connection for GERD is therefore denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a back disability, cardiovascular disorder, rectal bleeding, erectile dysfunction, psychiatric disorder, acid reflux, and hypercholesterolemia. The decision found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a back disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment, and a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disorders is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with a rating of 10% for residuals of a right wrist fracture and an initial evaluation higher than 10 percent for irritable bowel syndrome. The gastrointestinal disability other than IBS, hiatal hernia with GERD as residuals of helicobacter pylori infection, and tinnitus are all found to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is about higher initial ratings for his GERD with Barrett's esophagus. The Board has ordered a remand to address the issue of whether his service-connected GERD with Barrett's esophagus alone results in an inability to obtain and maintain employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's upper back and neck injury, headaches, stomach condition, and left shoulder disability are all service-connected. The effective date is July 18, 2000.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Reserve service records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his right knee disability and hiatal hernia and GERD.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claimed conditions, including sterilization, thyroid disability, and GERD, are not service-connected due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active duty or exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board found no evidence of a hiatal hernia or GERD during service and concluded that the Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.