GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2014

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the right thumb. The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for GERD, but the case is being REMANDED to obtain additional evidence and arrange for examinations.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for sciatica, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), arthritis, ingrown toenails, breathing problems, and prostate condition. The VA examiners' opinions were based on a full reading of the Veteran's claims file, physical evaluations, and consideration of his lay statements.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder, PCT, migraine headaches, GERD, and fatty liver have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA compensation examination in connection with his service connection claim for gallbladder removal and an additional VA mental health examination to assess the current severity of his PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining more recent medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal or gastroesophageal disability is being considered, as well as his claim for dental disability secondary to GERD.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine if it is related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically the medications used for those conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate VA examination reports.

The Veteran's minimal small vessel periventricular ischemic white matter disease, chronic headache disorder, hypertension, tinnitus of the right ear, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral knee disorder, fungus of the feet, facial cyst, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and right arm disorder were not incurred in service or related to service.,The Veteran's periods of active service did not include a qualifying period for VA benefits.

The Veteran's current gastrointestinal disability, including GERD and chronic diarrhea/abdominal pain, is not service connected as it does not have a direct link to his military service or any service-connected condition. The Board also found no evidence of secondary service connection based on his mental health disability.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board found that the Veteran's RLS is not related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and hiatal hernia, finding that the Veteran's current digestive disorders are related to his military service.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer with GERD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate. The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis claim has been denied.

The Veteran's GERD was found to have its onset during his active service and is therefore granted service connection. The right shoulder disability and neck disability are currently under consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video conference hearing at the Louisville, Kentucky Regional Office.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable disability evaluation for his service-connected TMJ, GERD, and bilateral venous reflux disease with varicose veins.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of acid reflux and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, was dismissed as the issue had already been resolved in favor of the Veteran by the AMC in November 2012. The remaining claims for hypertension and supraventricular pulmonic stenosis were remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a gastrointestinal disorder, to include hiatal hernia and GERD, was granted. However, his claims for higher initial disability ratings for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease were denied.

The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, is not service-connected.,The Veteran's symptoms of pain in the bilateral arms, legs, back and neck; sinus disorder; skin disorder; and stomach disorder have been attributed to known clinical diagnoses.