GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2015

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD is proximately due to or a result of his service-connected left wrist and finger disabilities, and his Axis I sleep disorder is related to his service-connected GERD. Therefore, both conditions are granted as secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's postoperative duodenal ulcer with GERD and chronic pancreatitis was rated at 20 percent from April 6, 2004 to December 31, 2005. After that period, the rating remained at 20 percent.

The Veteran is granted service connection for depression as secondary to her service-connected trigeminal neuralgia. Her TDIU claim from April 1, 2012 is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right elbow disorder, right wrist fracture residuals, gastrointestinal disability (GERD), left foot plantar fasciitis, upper respiratory infection, and conjunctivitis. The decision also found that the Veteran did not meet criteria for separate ratings under DCs 5260/5261 due to arthritis or instability of the knee.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision may be rendered on the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 10% prior to September 24, 2010 and granted a 30% rating from September 24, 2010 to June 21, 2011. The left knee disorder is currently rated as 10%.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD have been rated at 10 percent since the onset of his disability. The symptoms are persistent but do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service connection claim for COPD is granted. An additional VA medical opinion is needed to address the etiology of any other diagnosed intestinal disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of frostbite to the face and gums, a dental disorder (teeth number 18 and 19 extracted), an inguinal hernia, Hepatitis C, a gastrointestinal disorder claimed as acid reflux, or intestinal polyps due to service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's GERD was not incurred or aggravated by service, and is therefore denied.,An acquired psychiatric disability has been granted but the current rating does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination. The Veteran's GERD claim is also being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and found it at least as likely as not that the Veteran's current tinnitus is related to his in-service noise exposure. The GERD claim remains pending, with a need for additional development including an examination.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 10 percent prior to December 3, 2010 and increased to 30 percent effective from that date. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.,For lumbosacral strain, the Veteran received a 10 percent rating prior to December 3, 2010 and a 20 percent rating effective from that date. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.,The Veteran's postoperative residuals of a stress fracture of the right ankle were rated at 20 percent since July 1, 2007. The criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's postoperative nasal fracture is found to have been incurred in service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Board also finds that his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected postoperative nasal fracture. Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is denied.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's GERD with abdominal pain secondary to multiple surgeries, including antrectomy and vagotomy, has been rated at 30 percent since September 21, 2011.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent. The issues related to PTSD and psychiatric disorders have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's heat-induced urticaria is granted service connection. The esophageal condition, to include dysphagia and GERD or pyrosis, are not currently diagnosed as a confirmed medical condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a stomach disorder has been reopened, but the evidence does not support a finding that his current digestive tract disorders are related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining an adequate medical opinion and considering new evidence.