GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD is not related to his in-service mustard gas exposure or service-connected inguinal hernias, and thus denied both direct and secondary service connection for GERD.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease, cervical degenerative disc disease with spondylosis C3-C7, lumbar degenerative disc disease with neuritis L5-S1, left knee degenerative joint disease, and right knee degenerative joint disease have been rated as 10 percent each since May 4, 2010.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated as noncompensably (0 percent) disabling, but the Board has determined that a 30 percent disability rating is warranted.,The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated as noncompensably (0 percent) disabling, but the Board has determined that a 50 percent disability rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD has been granted and is no longer on appeal. The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for erectile dysfunction due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD. The VA examiner found that the Veteran did not meet all criteria for PTSD and his symptoms were better explained by other diagnoses.

The Board found new and material evidence to have been submitted, but concluded that the claim should not be reopened as there was no clear indication of a relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux disease, sleep apnea, and obesity as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's low back disorder is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis. Service connection for asthma and diabetes mellitus are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to obtain updated medical records and for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected GERD with IBS.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not related to her military service, and therefore denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has vacated the previous decision and is now considering the issues of service connection for a bilateral hip disorder and an initial rating higher than 30 percent for GERD.

The Veteran's GERD is found to be proximately due to his service-connected allergic rhinitis, and the claim for service connection is granted. The issue of a compensable evaluation for migraine headaches remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for a hemorrhoid disorder and did not grant an increased rating for duodenal ulcer with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Veteran's GERD with dyspepsia and gastritis, with Barrett's esophagus status post duodenal ulcer is rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 7307 for chronic hypertrophic gastritis.,The Veteran's tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7806 for dermatitis or eczema.

The Veteran's GERD is found to be aggravated by his service-connected IBS, and he is granted service connection for this condition. His hypertension is rated at 20 percent prior to October 28, 2015, and at 50 percent thereafter.

The Board has remanded the case for a video conference hearing and will not make a determination on the merits of the service connection claims.

The Veteran's GERD with sliding hiatal hernia is currently rated at 30 percent prior to July 14, 2014 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Veteran's cervical somatic dysfunction remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's GERD is causally related to his service-connected cervical spine disability. The Veteran's chronic headache disability may have pre-existed service, but the evidence does not clearly and unmistakably show that it was aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not prevent her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining results of an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and other relevant VA treatment records. The right ankle claim may require a medical opinion regarding whether the foot condition stems from the same injury as the ankle condition.