GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left wrist is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5215.,The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent based on symptoms of pyrosis and regurgitation.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral vestibular disorder, headaches, and GERD as these conditions are at least in equipoise with the evidence supporting their onset during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux was granted, and he received an initial noncompensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss. The appeal is also granted as the Veteran is in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from the Daytona Beach VAMC.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD with history of hiatal hernia has been rated at 30 percent since April 10, 2009 and increased to 50 percent effective July 31, 2014. The higher rating is warranted due to the severity of his symptoms including difficulty sleeping.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 10 percent since December 11, 2014. The Board finds that an extraschedular rating is warranted for his left ilioinguinal nerve neuralgia due to the impact of a spinal cord stimulator implant.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for his GERD is being remanded due to the need for updated medical examination and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and his symptoms are better explained by other conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia. Therefore, service connection for CFS is denied.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and Gulf War exposure-related conditions. The Board has remanded the case to schedule a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for genital herpes is pending. The claim for service connection for GERD as secondary to PTSD has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability, and the Board found that any symptoms he experienced were not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the appeal for further development due to failure to substantially comply with previous instructions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been denied. The Board found that the current disability ratings adequately reflect the severity of her conditions.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal of the issue of entitlement to an increased disability rating for post-operative injury, left foot, with bunion, scars, and complex regional pain syndrome of the left lower extremity.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD aggravates his GERD, and grants service connection for GERD as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge sitting at the RO. The issues include increased ratings for spondylolisthesis L5-S1 with left sciatica and hypertension, service connection for acid reflux, depression, and a skin rash, and an earlier effective date for total disability rating based on individual unemployability and Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 35.

The Veteran's appeal involves the issue of whether he has a sleep disorder that is related to his service-connected GERD or TBI with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and mood disorder. The Board finds additional development is needed as there may be an undiagnosed illness component.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% prior to January 14, 2014 and his GERD with IBS is rated at 10% since November 4, 2013. Both conditions meet the criteria for their respective ratings.

The Board found that the Veteran's additional disability was not caused by VA's carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill in performing a revision to his Nissen fundoplication. The surgery did not result from an unforeseeable event.

The Veteran's claims for an acquired psychiatric disability and a gastrointestinal or gastroesophageal disability are reopened. The case is REMANDED for additional development.