GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's stress fracture of the left 2nd metatarsal had its onset during his active service and granted service connection for this condition. The claims for left Achilles tendonitis, ulcerative colitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are addressed in the Remand portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection for diarrhea, fatigue, GERD, back disability, and carpal tunnel syndrome affecting the bilateral upper extremities. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, residuals of right shoulder/arm injury, and an initial compensable rating for post-concussive syndrome. The claim for increased rating for a right eye disability remains on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD, hiatal hernia, and IBS have been rated at 10 percent since December 1, 2007. The RO has granted a 30 percent rating for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disorder, including gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastroparesis, was denied as there is no evidence of such disorders in service or for many years thereafter. The Board found that the current disability is not related to service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn. The Board does not have jurisdiction to consider the increased rating claim for hypertension with headaches as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in November 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of increased ratings and service connection are not addressed as this matter has been returned to the AOJ.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD and IBS do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of a current, chronic disability involving GERD. The Court vacated this decision and remanded the matter.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted at 30 percent, effective October 20, 2010.

The Board has vacated the February 2015 decision and remanded the matter to the Board for development consistent with the parties' Joint Motion. The case is now being remanded to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current gastrointestinal disability, including whether it is related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and esophageal / gastric cancer, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected depression. The cause of death was also found to be due to the now service-connected esophageal / gastric cancer.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disability, including anal fistula, polyps, dyspepsia and GERD (claimed as bleeding colon), did not manifest within one year of service and is not related to his active duty service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for acid reflux, stomach cramps and chronic diarrhea, back disability, and tinea pedis need to be reconsidered on their underlying merits due to new VA medical records being received. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia and sleep apnea, finding that the disabilities began during active duty service.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia was granted a rating of 10 percent prior to August 24, 2012 and a rating of 30 percent since that date.

The Veteran's Crohn's disease with GERD has been rated at 30 percent since October 2015, and the Board finds this rating is appropriate for the entire appeals period.

The Board has determined that the current VA examination is inadequate and requires further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a supplemental opinion from another qualified practitioner.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for salpingo oophorectomy and tension headaches have been withdrawn.