GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2016

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues before the Board.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a grant of service connection for GERD based on CUE in an April 2005 rating decision, finding that there was no CUE and that the original denial was reasonable given the evidence at the time.

The Board finds that the Veteran has established service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, to include PTSD and anxiety, due to a verified in-service stressor. For his stomach disability, gastritis and GERD, the Board finds that there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on several conditions have been dismissed due to voluntary withdrawals by the Veteran.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for acid reflux, which he contends is related to his service-connected below the knee amputation. The Board has determined that a VA examination and additional development are needed.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disorders, GERD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension have been denied as there is no competent evidence of current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an updated VA examination to assess the severity of her GERD and any related symptoms such as anemia. The issue remains about determining a higher rating for her current condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD is not related to his military service, and denied his claim for service connection. The issue of a rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus type II remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of current hearing loss or eye condition disabilities, and there is no direct service connection established.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability, diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, kidney disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), alcohol abuse disorder, acid reflux, and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral sensorineural hearing loss disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification regarding exposure to Camp Lejeune and environmental toxins.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, hypertension, and a kidney disorder are all being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification regarding in-service psychiatric treatment records and diagnoses.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for alcohol abuse disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification regarding the relationship between his alcohol use and any diagnosed mental health conditions.,The Veteran's claim for acid reflux is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.,The Veteran's claim for hypertension is being remanded due to the need for additional medical clarification.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for sleep apnea or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), claimed as acid reflux, due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and clarification of medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected feet disability prior to October 23, 2013, and higher than 10 percent effective October 23, 2013, has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate examination and missing records. The Veteran is required to provide information about his private treatment and VA treatment related to GERD and chronic cephalgia, and all identified records must be obtained.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a stomach disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of all evidence.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, NOS, has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since March 17, 2009. He is currently rated at 50 percent for this condition.,The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 30 percent since March 17, 2009. The Veteran has had very frequent completely prostrating attacks of migraines with severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his GERD claim and potential service connection for Gulf War Syndrome. The case will be returned to the Board after this process.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing. The issues include initial disability ratings and service connection claims.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 30 percent prior to March 11, 2014 and at 60 percent from March 11, 2014. The Board granted the higher rating of 60 percent for the period after March 11, 2014.