GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected diarrhea has been rated at a noncompensable level since the grant of service connection. The Board has determined that the evidence supports a finding of moderate irritable colon syndrome, warranting a 10% rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his in-service acoustic trauma. Service connection for GERD secondary to PTSD and diabetes mellitus, type II is also granted. The issue of service connection for umbilical hernia remains pending as it is not clear if it is directly related to service-connected conditions or if it is a separate condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease was denied as the evidence did not show symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's GERD was manifested by symptoms such as dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal pain. He received a 10 percent evaluation for his GERD prior to April 8, 2016, but the Board found that he did not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent on or after April 8, 2016.

The Veteran's appeals were denied, with the exception of GERD with hiatal hernia and pancreatitis issues which are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, asthma and sinusitis.

The Veteran's other specified trauma or stressor-related disorder, now rated as 50 percent disabling from April 23, 2013, forward, results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for consideration of new evidence, including a July 2016 VA examination and VA treatment records. The issue of service connection for prostate cancer remains pending.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for GERD and lumbosacral strain with thoracic spine DJD and dextro-convex scoliosis, finding that there was no evidence of two or more symptoms necessary to warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7346 (GERD) or Diagnostic Code 5293 (lumbosacral strain).

The Board found that the Veteran's left ankle arthritis is not related to his in-service injury and denied service connection for this condition. The stomach disorder claim was also denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between the current stomach issues and service. For the skin disorder, while the examiner noted a history of tinea (likely ringworm), they concluded that a nexus opinion was not necessary due to the absence of a current manifestation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for achalasia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied. The evidence does not show that the disabilities meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression, anemia, sleep apnea, hiatal hernia, and GERD have been granted with a noncompensable initial rating for hypertension.

The Board granted service connection for GERD and IBS secondary to PTSD, and awarded a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a digestive disease, claimed as GERD, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of his claims.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have resulted in the loss of use of both lower extremities, such as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. Therefore, he is entitled to specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's esophageal condition, including dysphagia and GERD, is found to be related to his active service. The Board grants the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 10 percent since October 31, 2008. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating prior to January 13, 2016 and assigned a 30 percent disability rating from that date forward.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bilateral hearing loss was withdrawn. The claim for service connection for a respiratory condition, including as secondary to GERD or due to in-service asbestos and/or herbicide exposure, was denied.

The Veteran's Morton's neuroma of the left foot is at least as likely as not related to active service.,The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and hiatal hernia are at least as likely as not related to active service.,Migraine headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to TDIU.