GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for right foot plantar fasciitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the identification of outstanding treatment records.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective October 2005. The Board found the Veteran entitled to a 10 percent rating for his GERD and denied higher ratings based on less severe symptoms. For right shoulder impingement syndrome prior to January 6, 2012, the Veteran is rated as noncompensable; from that date forward, he is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a hearing before a traveling member of the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is secondary to his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for GERD with hiatal hernia and for TDIU. The case is being remanded to complete development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and esophageal adenocarcinoma as secondary to GERD are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right knee disorders, claimed as knee strains, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claim for gouty arthritis causing joint pain involving hands/fingers, elbows, hips, ankle, and feet is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed GERD is not related to his in-service treatment for acute gastroenteritis, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for further clarification on whether his GERD symptoms are productive of considerable impairment of health.

The Veteran's PTSD with major depressive disorder, sinusitis, stomach disorder (GERD), and fibromyalgia are all found to be service-connected. The lumbar spine and cervical spine disorders are also found to be service-connected as secondary to the fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD remains under review.

The Board has granted increased ratings for PTSD, TBI, and IBS/GERD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records from the Social Security Administration and scheduling a VA examination to determine the likely etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was rated at 70% from November 23, 2009 to March 16, 2010 and at 50% thereafter. The IBS with associated GERD was rated at 30%. Both conditions were granted.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses is being remanded due to the need to consider whether the treatment was rendered for a service-connected condition or an associated non-service connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal was withdrawn regarding service connection for ADHD and learning disability, as well as the evaluation of her left index finger.,For the cervical spine disability, a rating higher than 20 percent is not warranted due to lack of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional private treatment records. The examiner will determine if GERD had its onset during service, was caused by service, or was aggravated by his service-connected bronchial asthma.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD with hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 30 percent since October 27, 2006, based on symptoms such as pain, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The disability is currently evaluated under the criteria for a hiatal hernia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination.