GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2015

The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities as early as August 21, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a low back disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA disability benefits records and considering any new VA treatment records.

The Veteran's disability of acute acid reflux, dysphagia, aperistalsis, and achalasia with history of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with reverse of laparoscopic Nissen with takedown with Heller myotomy was rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant an increased rating as they were consistent with the current 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of VA medical opinions and a new VA examination to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed GERD. The issues are whether service connection should be granted based on secondary service connection or reopening due to new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ulcerative colitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claim for acid reflux disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as his initial compensable evaluation for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), was granted. However, the rating assigned is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, initial compensable rating, and service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the hypertension and PTSD claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasons and bases in its May 2013 decision regarding TDIU. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA Social and Industrial Survey to determine her employability.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings, TDIU, and service connection. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the issues of secondary service connection and missing private medical records.

The Veteran's combined rating for pension purposes is 40 percent, which does not meet the schedular requirements for nonservice-connected pension benefits. The evidence does not demonstrate that he is permanently and totally disabled from nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Veteran is seeking an effective date earlier than March 1, 2010 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Board has determined that additional development is needed and the case is being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of cholecystectomy with GERD are rated at 60 percent effective September 4, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for GERD, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and degenerative joint disease of the thumbs were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for PTSD, as well as his TDIU claim are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA treatment records and provide the Veteran with new examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for an extraschedular evaluation for migraines and entitlement to TDIU are being remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination and opinion addressing his claim for TDIU, referral of his extraschedular evaluation claim to the Director of the VA Compensation Service, and additional VCAA notice.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD and entitlement to a TDIU. As such, the Board dismisses these issues.