GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastroesophageal disorder is not related to service or any other condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia and GERD have been rated at the highest available rating of 30 percent, effective from April 2008. The Board has added issues for IBS and scars as part of this appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired genetic damage, non-malignant thyroid nodular disease, and esophageal cancer with GERD as well as an initial compensable rating for ventral incisional hernia. The Board found that there was no current disability related to these conditions.

The Veteran's GERD does not produce two of the following symptoms: dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal arm or shoulder pain. The criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for esophageal reflux disease have not been met.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension. However, before the merits of that claim and the remaining claims on appeal may be adjudicated, additional development is required due to the need for a new VA examination for his sleep disorder and GERD with IBS.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, gastrointestinal disorder to include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep apnea, and hypertension. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current disability in these conditions, or any link between them and his active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current hiatal hernia with GERD did not arise during service or is otherwise related to his service-connected PTSD, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a respiratory disorder (COPD), sleep apnea, and GERD. The appeals were decided on the merits as there was no indication of any presumptive exposure to herbicides or other service connection theories.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and postural dizziness, finding that these conditions were permanently aggravated by the Veteran's diabetes mellitus. The other claims of service connection have been denied as there is no evidence linking the current disabilities to his military service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and initial compensable ratings have been withdrawn. The Board has dismissed the remaining claims due to lack of appeal.

The Board has ordered that the Veteran's treatment records from the Omaha VAMC be obtained. The case is now REMANDED to ensure all relevant evidence is associated with the claims file and an addendum to the November 2014 VA medical examination addressing how this additional evidence affects the answers to specific questions regarding service connection for gastrointestinal disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, a skin condition, a stomach ulcer, and GERD as secondary to PTSD have been denied. The evidence does not support the presence of these conditions during or after military service.

The Board denied service connection for basal cell carcinoma, scleroderma, and heartburn/acid reflux, finding no evidence of a causal relationship with the contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's GERD and sleep apnea claims are remanded for additional development, including a new examination for GERD and issuance of a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's basal cell carcinoma is at least as likely as not the result of herbicide exposure and sun exposure during service. The RO granted service connection for this disability. Other issues remain pending in appellate status.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are granted. Service connection is established for hand tremors, bilateral wrist disability, reactive arthritis with sacroiliitis residuals, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and right shoulder inferior labral tear with acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease. Increased evaluations are assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and any related Social Security Administration records. He also needs to be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his sleep disorder, erectile dysfunction, acid reflux, and hepatitis C.

The Veteran's service-connected rectal prolapse and GERD have been rated at the lowest available disability rating of 10 percent since their effective dates. The Board finds that neither condition warrants a higher evaluation based on the current evidence.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to the mild recurring symptoms.