GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD did not have its onset in service and is less likely than not caused by his military service. The right knee disability was also denied as it is less likely than not related to or aggravated by his service-connected ankle disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him helpless in the performance of activities of daily living and in protecting himself from everyday hazards, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, specifically asthma, GERD, a lumbar spine disability, bilateral foot disability, and obstructive sleep apnea. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated VA and private treatment records, schedule appropriate examinations, and provide addendum opinions as requested.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD with Barrett's esophagus and denied service connection for right and left shoulder disabilities. The Veteran's current GERD with Barrett's esophagus is found to be related to his in-service diagnosis of stomach pain, while the bilateral shoulder disabilities are not considered incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and GERD are currently rated at the lowest available disability levels (10 percent), as their symptoms do not warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain missing service treatment records and determine the etiology of the Veteran's GERD and TMJ. The claims will be reconsidered after this development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for further examination and consideration of the Veteran's stomach disorder, including its relationship to his service-connected psychiatric disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for headaches, low back disability, bilateral knee disabilities, acid reflux, and sleep apnea due to inadequate medical opinions in the February 2011 decision. The dental claim is also being remanded for additional VA examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's GERD, right wrist tendonitis, and residuals of right elbow fracture are all rated at the maximum allowable under the rating schedule. The Board finds that these conditions meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board dismissed the appeals due to the Veteran's death, and no decisions were made on any of the issues.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a compensable rating is not warranted.,Prior to November 5, 2011, the Veteran's bilateral flat feet are rated as 10 percent disabling. Since November 5, 2011, they are rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Veteran's current GERD, neurogenic bowel dysfunction, atonic neurogenic bladder condition, and erectile dysfunction are proximately due to the service-connected post-operative testicular cyst. The Veteran has currently diagnosed PTSD that is causally connected to an in-service personal assault.

The Veteran's cervical strain with traumatic arthritis is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable rating criteria. The remaining conditions have either not been granted or are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for GERD, left and right plantar fasciitis were denied as the evidence did not show symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including GERD, hiatal hernia, IBS and gastritis, did not have their onset in service or are caused by his service-connected patellofemoral syndrome. The VA examinations do not support a nexus between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a Gulf War examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is granted. The issues of lumbosacral strain, right and left hip sprain, right and left knee arthritis, and bilateral pes planus are dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine the severity of his service-connected inguinal hernia and any stomach disability, as well as whether these conditions are secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial increased rating for mood disorder with depressive features was granted, and an initial compensable rating for IBS with gastroesophageal reflux disease was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and providing the Veteran with an addendum medical statement on his claimed conditions. The Veteran's claims will be readjudicated following this development.