GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of outstanding treatment records.

The Board has determined that further development is needed before the claims can be decided, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have currently diagnosed peripheral neuropathy of the upper or lower extremities, nor GERD related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's esophagitis claim was denied, and her IBD with GERD rating remained at 30 percent. Her TDIU claim is pending.

The Veteran's low back disability was restored to a 40 percent rating from January 13, 2009.,GERD is service-connected and effective as of the date of receipt of the claim.,Service connection for sleep apnea is granted and effective as of January 8, 2010.,CFS was not service-connected and no earlier effective date can be assigned.,Psoriasis is service-connected and effective as of the date of receipt of the claim.,Residuals of a TBI are service-connected and effective as of the date of receipt of the claim.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under DC 7346.,Obstructive sleep apnea has not been established as service-connected.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and right knee disability are granted service connection, while the initial compensable evaluation for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease is denied. The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding this issue.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD existed prior to his period of active duty and was not aggravated by service. The issue of an increased disability rating for right knee arthritis is pending.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary prior to adjudicating the claims on the merits, including obtaining private treatment records and arranging for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bilateral pes planus was denied. For IBS and hiatal hernia with GERD, the Veteran received a single 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7319-7346.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease/hiatal hernia, diverticulosis/diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome, were not shown to have had their onset in service or within one year of service. The VA examiner opined that the conditions are less likely than not incurred in or caused by active service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current GI disease, to include GERD, and thus denied service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by service-connected sinusitis and rhinitis, and he is granted a maximum 50 percent rating for his chronic maxillary sinusitis. The Veteran's coccydynia is rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Code 5298 due to painful residuals of removal of the coccyx. His GERD claim was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, a skin disorder, and a GI disorder other than GERD or IBS have all been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or related to his service-connected disabilities, and thus service connection for the cause of death is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a rash on the arms and legs, stomach disorder (including gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome), and PTSD have all been denied. The Board found no current disability related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has ordered additional development due to incomplete records and the need for a formal finding memorandum. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on all evidence.

The Board denied an extraschedular rating for the Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD, finding that the disability picture is not exceptional and does not exhibit related factors such as 'marked interference with employment' or 'frequent periods of hospitalization'.

The Veteran's appeal concerning sinusitis, asthma, and Barrett's esophagus with hiatal hernia and GERD is dismissed. The claim of service connection for COPD is reopened and granted.