GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's tension headaches have been rated at least 30 percent disabling throughout the appeal period. The Board finds that an initial rating of at least 30 percent is warranted for her chronic tension headaches.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for headaches has been granted, with the highest available rating of 50 percent effective from July 2006. The remaining claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of abdominal trauma with GERD has been granted, and he is now rated at 30 percent effective July 6, 2016.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the Veteran's service dates and determine the significance of his dual status in the USAFR. The claims for sinusitis, ear disorder (Meniere's syndrome), and acquired psychiatric disorder will be remanded for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for deep venous thrombosis and gastrointestinal disorder were denied. The claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a burn scar of the back was also denied, as there is no current evidence of residual disability due to the 2000 burn injury. For left knee chondromalacia, the Veteran's symptoms prior to April 6, 2015 warranted a finding of mild impairment but not more than that, and after that date, his condition did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), and sarcoidosis. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's GERD was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected PTSD or right knee disability, including as due to medications used for those conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD did not manifest during her first period of active service and was not aggravated by her second period of active service. As a result, she is not entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is currently rated at 10 percent and the gastrointestinal disability (stomach ulcers and GERD) has been granted. The Veteran does not have service connection for an enlarged prostate or headaches.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by fatigue is denied as there is no diagnosed condition.,Service connection granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. The Board finds the evidence at least in equipoise that this condition began during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development, including an examination of his GERD condition and consideration of a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her requests to pursue these issues.

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

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a VA addendum medical opinion regarding the relationship between his gastrointestinal condition and his service-connected back disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's digestive disorder did not have its onset during service and was not caused by any service-connected condition, including his service-connected coronary artery disease, degenerative disc disease, dysthymia/depression, or lumbar spine strain. The VA examinations indicated that the current GERD is more likely due to obesity, NSAID use, and a small hiatal hernia.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new examination to assess his service-connected GERD.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected GERD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal request from the appellant.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 10 percent prior to March 15, 2016 and in excess of 10 percent from that date. For bilateral pes planus, the Veteran received a 30 percent rating effective March 15, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current lumbar spine disability that is related to his military service. The other conditions were also found to be unrelated to service.