GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, the maximum schedular rating available under DC 7346. The other conditions have not been found to warrant higher ratings.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, low back disorder, and associated upper and lower extremity radiculopathy are service-connected.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and neuropsychological disorder) is service-connected.,The Veteran's sleep disorder, fibromyalgia, multiple joint and muscle pain, hemorrhoids, recurrent headaches, cardiovascular disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory disorder, and left eye injury are not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected migraines have been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent, and there is no evidence to support a higher evaluation based on extra-schedular criteria.

The Board has ordered remand due to the need for additional medical records and updated opinions, as well as a review of the claims file.

The Board found that the Veteran's IBS is unrelated to service and was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected GERD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for GERD and an increased rating for hypertension, finding that there was no evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome and therefore, her claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis/sinusitis was not manifested by at least one incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis; at least three non-incapacitating episodes per year of sinusitis characterized by headaches, pain, and purulent discharge or crusting; any sinus surgery, to include radical; constant sinusitis; nor allergic or vasomotor rhinitis with polyps or without polyps but with greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passage on both sides or complete obstruction on one side prior to October 9, 2013.,The Veteran's service-connected GERD was as likely as not manifested by at least mild symptomatology closely analogous for duodenal ulcer prior to October 9, 2013.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion to address whether each of the Veteran's claimed conditions are related to his active service, and if not, whether they represent undiagnosed illnesses or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illnesses. The claims will be re-adjudicated based on this new information.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is productive of persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm/shoulder pain, causing considerable impairment of health. The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for this condition.

The Veteran's right hip disorder and GERD are not service connected as they are not related to her active military service.,There is no evidence of a current right hip disorder or GERD during service, nor any in-service injury that could have caused these conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is rated at 60 percent since April 6, 2016.,His stomach disorder (small sliding hiatal hernia) is rated at 30 percent since February 1, 2008 to April 5, 2016. The Veteran's TDIU claim remains on appeal for the period prior to April 6, 2016.

The VA denied the Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied service connection for a left shoulder disorder, arthritis of the left knee, and arthritis of the right knee. The evidence submitted did not demonstrate that these conditions began in or were caused by military service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the issues of service connection for GERD and TDIU. As a result, these cases are dismissed.

The Veteran's IBS with GERD was rated as noncompensable prior to November 18, 2014, and at a 30 percent rating beginning that date.,The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his service-connected IBS with GERD.

The Veteran's service-connected heart disorder, aching joints, stomach disorder, muscle deterioration, and sleeping disorder are found to have contributed substantially or materially to his death. The appellant is therefore entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA examinations and treatment records, and to address the issues of service connection for chronic low back pain, bilateral pes planus, GERD, and left shoulder scars.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the appellant's SSA records, military dependent treatment records, and medical opinions. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's GERD with duodenal ulcer and IBS is currently rated at 30 percent, effective January 27, 2015. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.