GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service-connected postoperative right myringotomy and otitis media, gastrointestinal disability (gastritis, GERD, duodinitis, esophageal dysmotility, hiatal hernia), and cervical spine disability have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to an increased evaluation for his cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities of hands and arms do not result in loss of use.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a current low back disorder or digestive disorders related to his military service and therefore, these claims are denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) are being remanded. The initial compensable rating claim for bilateral hearing loss is denied, and the tinnitus reopening claim remains denied.

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at 30 percent since November 8, 2011. The rating is in accordance with the criteria for moderate symptoms with diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral knee chondromalacia. The claims for acid reflux and bilateral lower extremity nerve damage have also been denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being referred to the Under Secretary for Benefits or Director of Compensation and Pension Service for an extra-schedular evaluation due to his service-connected disabilities. The case will be remanded after this review.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to delays caused by obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records, as well as scheduling a new examination for PTSD. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and GERD remain pending.

The Veteran's claim for SMP has been reopened and granted due to the submission of new evidence showing he requires aid and attendance. His combined disability rating is currently at 60 percent, qualifying him for this benefit.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a kidney disability and GERD, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected history of viral hepatitis.,VA also denied an increased rating for his service-connected viral hepatitis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinus problems, GERD, PTSD, and sleep apnea. Service connection is granted for all conditions.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for chronic heartburn with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal reconstruction and hernia at incision site. The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sexual impotency, but remanded the remaining claims due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is not shown to have current diagnoses or symptoms related to dyspepsia, cervical condition, IBS, lower back condition, urinary incontinence, or liver condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current diagnoses of gallstones, pancreatitis, the residuals of a cholecystectomy, diabetes mellitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are related to his military service or a service-connected disorder. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluations for pes planus, GERD, and hypertension are denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,For PTSD prior to July 19, 2010, the Veteran is currently assigned a 50 percent rating which meets the criteria under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders.

The Veteran does not have a chronic gastroesophageal disorder that is related to active service or to any service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not sustain a disease, injury, or event related to GERD in service and does not experience symptoms of GERD in service. As such, the claim for service connection for GERD is denied.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to his active military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD existed prior to his second period of service and was not aggravated by it. The VA examiner concluded that there was no increase in severity during his third period of active duty.