GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2016

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of ulcer disease or duodenal ulcer, and his preexisting GERD was not aggravated by service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a stomach disorder, to include GERD and residuals of a duodenal ulcer, is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS, finding that the Veteran's current IBS is likely related to his military service. Service connection was denied for GERD.

The Veteran's residuals of pancreatic surgery and small bowel resection, including GERD, have been rated at 40 percent since June 25, 2013. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for this period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for GERD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide the Veteran with proper notice.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for an ear disorder and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded to obtain VA audiological examination reports and ensure that all necessary development has been completed.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for acid reflux is being remanded to obtain a clarifying opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not aggravated by his PTSD and depression.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction are being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion regarding whether it is at least as likely as not directly related, secondary to, or aggravated by his service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for a disability manifested by voice change is being remanded to provide the Veteran with a VA examination and determine if he has a current disability due to intubation during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for COPD and GERD, as well as his TDIU claim, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection for COPD due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, and it also determined that there was no evidence linking the current GERD symptoms to service.

The Board found that there is no evidence of a chronic, identifiable gastritis or GERD in service and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection. The right rotator cuff tendonitis and impingement syndrome were rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was withdrawn. The Board found that the Veteran's tension headaches most closely approximated a 30 percent disability rating, based on characteristic prostrating attacks occurring once per month over several months. For his right ankle sprain with mild degenerative joint disease and arthritis of both knees, he is currently rated at 10 percent each.

The Veteran's hernia scars are currently evaluated at a 10 percent rating, and the evidence does not support an increase in this evaluation.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophagitis, hiatal hernia, gastritis, gastropathy, and esophageal and gastric motility dysfunction, is at least as likely as not of service origin.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD and hypertension was denied as the evidence did not meet the requirements to establish secondary service connection due to his service-connected knee disabilities. The claim for additional compensation benefits for dependents was also denied because the required documentation was not submitted within one year of notification.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied service connection for an enlarged prostate, ED, and a gastrointestinal disorder (GERD) on the grounds that these conditions are not related to active service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on several conditions and special monthly compensation (SMC) have been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not timely file a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) regarding his service connection claims for GERD, ulcer, and H. pylori in April 2010. However, the claim for recognition of the Veteran's son as a helpless child on the basis of permanent incapacity for self-support prior to the age of 18 is reopened due to new evidence provided by the Veteran.

The Veteran's gastric disability was granted a 60 percent evaluation effective June 24, 2015. His right ankle disability and left ear hearing loss were not increased in rating.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service connection claims for right ear hearing loss, porphyria cutanea tarda, back disability, stress fracture of the right third metatarsal, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other conditions are not supported by evidence showing a current disability. His claim for right ear hearing loss is denied as he does not meet VA criteria for a finding of disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and heartburn are related to his service-connected PTSD, and thus granted service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's cluster headaches/migraines are currently rated at 50 percent effective October 26, 2015.,The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 30 percent effective October 26, 2015.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease with Barrett's esophagus and hiatal hernia is productive of persistently recurrent epigastric distress, dysphagia, pyrosis, regurgitation, and substernal or arm pain. The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for this condition.