GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantial gainful employment, warranting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's applications to reopen service connection for hypertension, left Achilles tendon disorder, right knee disorder, diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and low back disorder. The claims are now pending on their merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of GERD, and his gastrointestinal complaints are attributed to his already service-connected hiatal hernia. The claims for skin disorder and hair loss were also denied as there is no competent medical evidence supporting these conditions.

The Veteran's IBS and GERD are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the highest schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7319.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected gastrointestinal disabilities and an additional evidentiary review for the issue of entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service connection claim for GERD and esophagitis is granted as the evidence shows that he had these conditions during active duty and continues to have them. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's hearing loss claim was denied. His left knee disability received a noncompensable evaluation, while his lumbar spine arthritis and GERD were both denied service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining recent medical records and considering the results from a June 2012 VA examination. The claim will be reconsidered to determine if a rating in excess of 30 percent was warranted prior to December 5, 2011.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further consideration due to incomplete records and conflicting evidence regarding his employability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder and chronic acid reflux are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, claimed as secondary to his service-connected IBS, is being remanded due to the need for a VA addendum opinion regarding the etiology of his GERD and whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected IBS.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosed gastrointestinal disorder, including acid reflux, is likely related to her service and subsequent treatment. However, there is insufficient evidence to establish a direct link between her bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, allergies, PTSD, or an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD with her period of service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. The Board found that the evidence was at least in equipoise as to whether the condition was incurred in service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal symptoms and hypogonadism are not service-connected due to lack of a causal link. However, the lumbar spine disability is found to be related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims but denied them on their merits due to lack of new and material evidence. The original denial remains final.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding VA treatment records and further examination of the Veteran's current conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is service-connected, and her respiratory disorder causing breathing difficulties and chronic cough is not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.