GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, low back disorder, right knee disorder, neck disorder, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, and right elbow disorder have been reopened. The claim of service connection for a left knee disorder is granted.,Service connection has also been granted for the Veteran's low back disorder.

The Veteran's GERD has been service-connected since at least May 1994, and the Board finds that new evidence received after the August 1994 rating decision relates to unestablished facts necessary to substantiate her claim of service connection for GERD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD, cervical spine/neck condition, and erectile dysfunction are at least as likely as not related to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's internal hemorrhoids and polyps are not service-connected, but his GERD has been granted a 10% rating effective from the date of the September 2015 VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of restrictive lung disease, spondylosis of L5-S1, radiculopathy, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are denied as the earliest date entitlement arose is July 15, 2011.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including GERD and hiatal hernia, is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran has withdrawn all issues on appeal, specifically referencing his claims relating to the left ankle, back, knees, warts, lipomas, left elbow, and GERD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The right knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent for limitation of extension, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was characterized as encompassing any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the denial of a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction. The remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea, as secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has been granted. The claims for hypertension, GERD, and renal insufficiency remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD is related to an in-service personal assault and service connection for this condition is granted. The Veteran's psychiatric disability, other than PTSD, and GERD are not shown to be related to active service.

The Veteran's GERD with duodenitis and history of peptic ulcer disease, gastritis and indigestion is currently rated at 30 percent disabling. The Veteran does not have a diagnosed hip disorder.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the scheduled hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing stomach disorder, now identified as peptic ulcer disease, existed prior to his enlistment into service and was not aggravated during his period of service. As a result, the claim for service connection for stomach disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back condition is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition. The issue of whether GERD is secondary to service-connected IBS remains under consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to address whether any current gastrointestinal disability, including GERD and hiatal hernia, is etiologically related to service. The Veteran's contentions of continuity of symptoms from service to present time will be considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected GERD caused his squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, which resulted in his death. As a result, the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.