GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2014

The Board denied service connection for high blood pressure and acid reflux, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to Agent Orange exposure or secondary to service-connected ischemic heart disease.

The Veteran's GERD with Barrett's esophagus and IBS symptoms have worsened since December 7, 2009, warranting a 30 percent disability rating effective from that date.

The Veteran's gall bladder removal has resulted in cholelithiasis, pain, and frequent bowel disturbance but not colic or severe digestive distress. The Board finds that a 10 percent rating is warranted for his service-connected gall bladder removal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for eye/vision disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stomach/bowel disorder. The right thumb disability was rated at 10 percent based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), PTSD, GERD with Barrett's esophagus, and malaria, meet the schedular threshold requirements for consideration of a TDIU rating. The Board finds that these conditions render him unemployable.

The Board found that the Veteran's current GERD was not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD, is not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinion regarding service connection for GERD. The Veteran's current GERD is being reviewed in light of her service treatment records from December 1989 and June 1991.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for diabetes mellitus type II is granted due to his exposure to herbicides while serving at the Royal Thai Air Force Base in Udorn, Thailand. The issue of service connection for GERD and chronic diarrhea remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for fainting spells, a heart condition, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The appeals were dismissed as they were not currently in appellate status.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional examinations to assess the functional impairment caused by his service-connected disabilities and for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for a condition of the right hand, wrist, and fingers as secondary to service-connected right elbow disability. The Veteran's other claims are either denied or require further development.

The Board finds that the Veteran's GERD had its onset in service and is granted entitlement to service connection for this disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of GERD, and the lumbar spine and right knee disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran likely has peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities that is attributable to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, which was granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no evidence of a claim prior to February 4, 2008. The Board finds that the effective date cannot be earlier than the date of receipt of his request to reopen his previously denied PTSD claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate medical opinion in November 2013. The case is now being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, hiatal hernia, hypertension, GERD, bowel disorder, and sleep disorder due to insufficient development of evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including an examination and review of the Veteran's service records to determine if his gastrointestinal disability is related to his active service or any other relevant factors.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for left ankle disability and lumbosacral strain, as well as entitlement to a compensable rating for GERD, are pending.