GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings remain on appeal. The RO must consider all of the evidence received since the issuance of the May 2015 supplemental statement of the case and issue a rating decision to implement the grant of an increased disability evaluation of 10 percent for the service-connected multi-level degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and a 20 percent disability for the anterior reconstruction and arthroscopic surgery of the left shoulder, effective April 23, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case for further processing due to jurisdictional issues and consideration of additional evidence. The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for GERD, dysthymia, and TDIU are now before the Board.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and not established service connection for nasal/sinus disorders, hiatal hernia with reflux esophagitis and GERD. The Veteran's PUD was granted a 10% rating since September 5, 2003.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disorder, diagnosed as pes planus, was incurred during her third period of active duty service. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise to show that hypertension, skin disorders, and allergic rhinitis are secondary to her service-connected asthma disability.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus is causing or aggravating his claimed residuals of tracheostomy and acid reflux.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his claimed bilateral knee disabilities and gastrointestinal disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder was not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and the most probative evidence is against a finding that his GERD is related to active service or a service-connected condition. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a chronic gastrointestinal disorder was denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for bronchial asthma with OSA is granted, and his TDIU rating is also granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other factors linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded this case for additional development, including a comprehensive vocational assessment and functional capacity evaluation to determine the Veteran's ability to perform in his occupational field given his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, increased ratings for right and left CTS, an earlier effective date for PTSD, and TDIU.

Service connection for GERD was granted in January 2016, but the appeal is dismissed as moot.,The Board found that hypertension was not incurred during service or manifest to a compensable degree within one year of discharge. Service connection on a secondary basis was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for allergic rhinitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable or higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including PTSD and its related conditions. The Board has determined that a hearing is needed to address these issues.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and GERD. However, additional development is required before these claims can be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, did not have its onset in service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to September 25, 2012 prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic disability related to service, including Gulf War exposure. The Veteran's current GERD and joint/muscle symptoms are not shown to be due to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fibromyalgia is due to Gulf War Syndrome and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the Veteran's digestive disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder.,Service connection is not granted for a liver disorder or bilateral knee disability.