GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2017

The Board denied service connection for gastrointestinal disorder and hepatitis C, finding no evidence of a causal link to military service or exposure at Camp Lejeune. The claim was decided on the merits.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, characterized as GERD and IBS, has been rated at a single 30 percent since November 7, 2014. Prior to this date, the disability was rated based on its predominant symptoms of epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal by the appellant through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral bone spurs has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran currently has an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, which is related to his service.,Service connection for sleep apnea is granted as new and material evidence has been received showing a possible relationship between the Veteran's current condition and his active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records from SSA.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn and the case is dismissed as there are no remaining issues for review.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and acid reflux. The case is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records, schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine whether his conditions began in or are related to service, and provide a complete rationale for any opinions given.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing and issues related to service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at a 10 percent rating since February 6, 2016. The initial claim for an increased rating was granted.

The Veteran withdrew his claims, and the Board has dismissed them.

The Veteran's claim for service connection is granted for tinea versicolor, periodontal disease, and some other conditions. The decision also acknowledges the Veteran's claims for hypertension as a qualifying chronic disability under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Veteran has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) during the appeal period. The Board finds that these conditions are related to his military service.,The Veteran also claimed entitlement to service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, neurological problems, muscle and joint pains, right hip disability, and a lumbosacral spine disability. However, no examination or medical opinion was provided in this case.

The Board found that the Veteran's current GERD is not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of gastroenteritis during service and the symptoms are more consistent with GERD.

The Veteran's death was caused by sepsis, as a consequence of renal failure and esophageal cancer. The cause of his GERD symptoms during his inpatient stay at the VA domiciliary unit prevented him from preventing or identifying early-stage esophageal cancer, leading to his untimely death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo/inner ear disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, GERD, hypertension, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea is denied as there is no post-service diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tension headaches, GERD, and loose bowels have all been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical spine and upper extremity conditions, render him unemployable due to his physical limitations.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD has been manifested by occasional, although not persistent, symptoms such as epigastric distress and pyrosis. The criteria for a higher initial rating have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to January 30, 2013. The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depressed mood; anxiety; panic attacks more than once a week; chronic sleep impairment; intrusive thoughts; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulties establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships; and GAF scores ranging from 45 to 65. The Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time during this period.