GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been manifested by symptoms of epigastric distress including pain, pyrosis, regurgitation and nausea. However, these symptoms have not resulted in considerable impairment of health as required for a higher initial evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD, with mild diarrhea, is rated at 30 percent effective May 24, 2016. This represents the highest schedular evaluation allowed under the law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastroesophageal reflux disease is not related to his active duty service or his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with depression, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic stomach disorder, including GERD, is not etiologically related to active duty service and does not qualify for secondary service connection based on his service-connected disorders. The evidence did not support a finding of service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including hiatal hernia and GERD, did not have its onset in service or due to his service-connected PTSD. The VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not that the Veteran's GERD had its onset during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for clarification of opinions provided in prior examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current GERD disability is not related to service and cannot be attributed to any of his service-connected disabilities. The preponderance of evidence supports denying the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and recurrent H. pyloric infections, are found to be related to his service. His TDIU claim is granted effective from August 7, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to incomplete information regarding his employment status and the need for further development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA opinion on the impact of service-connected disabilities on employability.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to report for VA examinations and unclear address. The Veteran is required to provide her correct mailing address, and another opportunity for VA examinations will be provided.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and finds that it had its onset during his military service. The right knee disability is being remanded as additional development is needed to determine its etiology.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and preparing an addendum opinion by a qualified examiner. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral inguinal herniography residuals did not meet the criteria for a 10 percent rating prior to March 19, 2009. From March 19, 2009, there is no legal entitlement to a compensable rating based on multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's bilateral inguinal herniography residuals have not required at least one month of convalescence or resulted in severe postoperative residuals as per VA regulations.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD has been rated at 10 percent for the entire appeal period. The Board has determined that his symptoms warrant a higher rating of 30 percent, as they are productive of considerable impairment of health.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, schizoaffective disorder, depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder, is at least as likely as not incurred during service. The claim for GERD secondary to service-connected disabilities remains pending.

The appellant requested to withdraw the appeal regarding attorney fees based on a May 2014 rating decision that denied service connection for GERD.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left shoulder and GERD with gastritis are pending. The Board finds the current evidence insufficient to grant these claims at this time.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux, hiatal hernia, and cancer of the abdomen was denied. The Board is granting this claim.,The Veteran's claims for right shoulder disability and residuals of a chest injury were also granted.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal/esophageal disability, including GERD and Barrett's Esophagus, is being remanded for further development to determine if it is related to his service-connected PTSD.