GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2016

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed GERD, hiatal hernia, and gastritis did not have their onset in service or within one year of his separation. The current disorders are not otherwise related to service, including exposure to toxic substances.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, to include PUD and GERD, was not manifested during service and is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to his active military service. The examiner determined that the current gastrointestinal condition did not have its onset in service and was not caused by a disease or injury in service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an eye disability, a left knee disability, and a gastrointestinal disorder (GERD) have been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrence/aggravation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA psychiatric examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed acquired psychiatric disorders, as well as secondary service connection claims for acid reflux, erectile dysfunction, and sleep disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus disability had its onset during service and is therefore granted. The Veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his recurrent peptic ulcer with hiatal hernia, GERD, Barrett's esophagitis, and gastritis was denied. The disability is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's GERD with NSAID colitis has been rated at 30 percent since the appeal period began, reflecting severe symptoms including persistent regurgitation and sleep disturbances.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, a higher rating for his low back disability, and a higher rating for his radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. The claim for TDIU was also denied as there is no evidence that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS and GERD have been rated at 30 percent since August 25, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current acquired psychiatric disorder, including schizophrenia, PTSD, and depression, is related to his active military service. The claim for acid reflux will be remanded as additional development is needed.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for GERD is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and an opinion regarding the etiology of his current GERD.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected GERD has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left wrist disability, right knee degenerative joint disease, hiatal hernia and GERD, and right eye retinal detachment did not have onset in service or were not caused by his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with an examination to clarify his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's duodenal ulcer, hiatal hernia, and GERD are etiologically related to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The respiratory disorder claim is not supported by competent medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing gastrointestinal disability was aggravated by service, and thus finds in favor of granting service connection for GERD.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including scheduling examinations and obtaining VA treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's current breathing disability (chronic rhinitis) and stomach disabilities (diverticulosis, GERD) did not have their onset in service or are otherwise related to service. The acquired psychiatric disorder issue is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for all listed disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for corns and calluses of the feet, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD. The Veteran's claims for knee disabilities, OSA, flat feet, and low back disability are pending.