GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2015

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD and IBS, was not incurred or aggravated by his military service. The evidence did not support a connection between his current GI disorders and his in-service appendectomy.

The Veteran's ulcerative colitis, IBS, and GERD were not rated higher than the current 30 percent. His respiratory disability was also not rated higher than the current 60 percent. The Board denied all claims for increase.

The Veteran's headaches, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and GERD have been granted increased evaluations. The sinusitis issue remains unresolved.

The Veteran's IBS and GERD have been granted a 30 percent disability rating, effective the date of service connection.

The Veteran's death was caused by a heart disorder that was aggravated during service due to his pre-existing psoriatic arthritis, which contributed substantially to his cardiovascular condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including low back disability, groin injury residuals, pulled abdominal muscle, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), breathing condition (chronic bronchitis), colon cancer, H. pylori infection, diabetes mellitus, gout, and hemorrhoids (precancerous condition). The Board found that the Veteran's preexisting back disorder was not aggravated by any period of active duty or ACDUTRA service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, right shoulder disability, low back disability, and knee disabilities. The Board found that there was no evidence of a chronic right shoulder or low back disability in service or within one year after service separation. The current diagnoses were not related to service.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at the highest possible rating under the applicable criteria, but his lumbar spine disorder does not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,His migraine headaches are currently rated as 30 percent disabling and do not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spurs, allergic rhinitis, and GERD have been granted initial compensable ratings of 10 percent each.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for GERD is being remanded due to missing documents in their electronic claims file.

The Veteran's service-connected stomach disability, characterized by persistent symptoms of dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, has been rated at 30 percent since February 13, 2015. The Board finds that the predominant disability picture is best reflected by a single evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7346 for hiatal hernia, GERD, and ulcers.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since January 18, 2012.

The case is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease with mild diarrhea and consideration of additional contentions raised in his October 2015 appellate brief.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's stomach disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae, right shoulder condition, Graves disease, knee conditions, COPD, sleep apnea, or chest syndrome to service. The Veteran's GERD was attributed to a known clinical diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and counseling evaluation folder. The inextricably intertwined psychiatric disorder claim will also be adjudicated.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), rheumatoid arthritis of the shoulders, and erectile dysfunction were denied as secondary to his service-connected glaucoma.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMP based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal for the issues of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to July 14, 2008, and in excess of 30 percent effective July 14, 2008, for GERD; entitlement to a compensable rating prior to July 14, 2008, and in excess of 10 percent effective July 14, 2008, for residuals of bilateral foot stress fractures; entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee patellofemoral syndrome; and entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and GERD are all found to be related to his service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's gout, GERD, diverticulosis with diarrhea, and sleep apnea are all found to have been incurred during active duty. His PTSD is rated as 100% disabling since the effective date of service connection. The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his PTSD.