GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue and gastroesophageal reflux disease have been granted. The increased rating claim for the back disability, as well as the claims for increased ratings for bilateral leg radiculopathy and fibromyalgia are pending. An earlier effective date claim for fibromyalgia is also pending.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 30 percent since July 25, 2014, based on persistent symptoms including substernal or arm/shoulder pain.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome has been rated at the maximum 30 percent under DC 7319, and his GERD is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that both conditions warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's ocular hypertension is related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The gastrointestinal disability and PTSD claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of tonsillitis was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for infectious hepatitis (to include hepatitis C), stomach disability, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) / intestinal condition, chronic otitis, and skin condition were all denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for sinusitis was also denied as new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim.,The Board found that the medical records did not support a higher rating for tonsillitis and that there was no indication of any other conditions warranting a different evaluation.

The Veteran's bladder disorder is found to be etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim for hepatitis C was granted.

The Veteran's prostate cancer is not service connected as there is no evidence of an in-service event or injury related to the condition.,The Veteran's heart disorder had its onset during active service and is therefore considered service-connected.

The Veteran's GERD is secondary to his service-connected lumbar strain condition.,A VA examination was conducted, and the examiner concluded that the Veteran's tinnitus is less likely than not related to service.

The Veteran's freestanding claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for his psychiatric disorder is dismissed as a matter of law.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the issues of GERD, tinnitus, and diarrhea has been withdrawn.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and denied the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a low back disability, and fibromyalgia. The Veteran's GERD is considered to have had its onset in service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, scheduling the Veteran for a psychiatric examination, and providing him with an opportunity to respond.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The initial compensable evaluation for Reiter's syndrome prior to March 1, 2014, has been granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be related to his service-connected tonsillar hypertrophy, and the claim for direct service connection is granted.,There is no evidence of a current GERD disability or that it is related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The claim for service connection for GERD is denied.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with bilateral wrist pain since his military service, and this condition is found to be directly related to an in-service injury. The claim for direct service connection for a bilateral wrist disability is granted.

The Veteran's Meniere's disease is rated at 100 percent, his gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia and dysphagia is rated at 10 percent, and his migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent. The appeals for increased evaluations have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right toe disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are not related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is unrelated to any current disability. The claims for higher ratings for asthma, lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative disc disease and arthritis, right lower extremity sciatic nerve impairment, left lower extremity sciatic nerve impairment, and bilateral foot sprain are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The issue remains whether he should receive an increased disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including gastroesophageal reflux and left ankle disability, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since November 18, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether these disabilities prevent her from securing or following such an occupation.