GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected traumatic tension headaches are rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 8100, which is analogous to migraine headaches. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his headaches do not result in characteristic prostrating attacks averaging once per month.

The Veteran's GERD was rated noncompensable prior to June 23, 2010 and 10 percent thereafter. The PTSD claim resulted in a higher initial rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD is rated at 30 percent, and the Board denied his claims for increased evaluation and service connection for shortness of breath, headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, and sleep disturbance due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active duty or undiagnosed illnesses.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a hearing and is not ready to make a decision on the service connection claims.

The Veteran's cholecystitis with GERD and hiatal hernia has been rated at 30 percent since April 15, 2015. The Board granted a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD or any other psychiatric disorder, and there is no evidence linking his symptoms to service. The claim for GERD was also denied as there is no clear relationship between the condition and his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative disc disease with arthritic changes of the lumbar spine had its onset in service, and thus granted service connection for this condition. The issues regarding gout and GERD as secondary to diabetes mellitus are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for certain conditions, including acid reflux, erectile dysfunction, gastrointestinal disorder, hiatal hernia, and kidney stones. The Veteran's claims are based on undiagnosed illnesses related to his service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf War.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current GERD was incurred coincident with his active duty service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral elbow disability and gastrointestinal symptoms, finding no evidence of such conditions during or after active duty. The Veteran's current conditions are attributed to his service-connected fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's hypertension is not shown to have been productive of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more with required continuous medication for control. The Veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease is shown to have been productive of symptoms that include abdominal pain, heartburn, diarrhea, regurgitation, and GERD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a chronic heart disability, hypertension, GERD, or erectile dysfunction that is related to service or any service-connected condition. The appeal for these claims is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran has current diagnoses of GERD and a possible gastrointestinal disability related to active service. The VA examiner opined that further testing should be done for other potential disabilities, including left leg and ankle issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD, bilateral knee strain, allergies, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is denied. The right ankle sprain and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine are each rated at 10 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to deficiencies in the medical opinion provided by the VA examiner.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of GERD, and the Board finds that service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's gastric disorder, which includes hiatal hernia and post-gastrectomy syndrome with symptoms of pain, vomiting, and weight loss, is rated at 60 percent effective October 9, 2012. The Board also granted a TDIU effective October 9, 2012.

The Board finds the evidence in equipoise as to whether the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance of another due to his disabilities, including from his back disorder and left ankle fracture.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to care for herself without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's GERD, including irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and hiatal hernia, has been rated as 10 percent disabling since May 11, 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met.