GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining employment records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease with a hiatal hernia and gastritis, and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 60 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7346. The Board also granted TDIU benefits based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD with gastroparesis and hiatal hernia has been rated at the highest schedular rating of 60 percent, which is considered severe impairment of health.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hiatal hernias/GERD was aggravated by his service-connected inguinal hernias.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral artery disease of the lower left extremity, hypertension, and acid reflux disease were denied as there was no evidence showing a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more prior to March 11, 2015, or predominantly 110 or more thereafter.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative changes, but denied increased ratings for obstructive sleep apnea and GERD.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that his symptoms are productive of considerable impairment of health as contemplated by the higher 30 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.

The Veteran's claims for prostate disorder, stomach ulcers, and skin fungus/rash/cancer are denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran's skin condition was diagnosed during service but not related to it.,PTSD and GERD with gastritis have been granted service connection.

The Veteran was seen for complaints of headaches following a head injury in service and has presented competent and credible evidence that those headaches have persisted since service.,It is as likely as not that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the conditions did not have onset in active service or are otherwise unrelated to service.

The Veteran's GERD was previously rated at 10 percent prior to August 7, 2015. From that date onwards, the VA determined his condition warranted a 30 percent rating due to persistent symptoms including heartburn and substernal pain.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's IBS with associated GERD and skin disability of the head and face are both found to be related to service. The Board grants these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected digestive disability, including GERD and dysphagia, is rated at 30 percent. The Board finds a separate rating of 10 percent for esophageal stricture under Diagnostic Code 7203.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and left lower extremity radiculopathy, effective February 1, 2012. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his cervical spine disability, right and left knee disabilities, as well as, service connection for erectile dysfunction are remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent from March 22, 2010 to November 18, 2015 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records, including those from SSA.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disability, diagnosed as peptic ulcer disease, is caused by his use of NSAIDS to treat service-connected residuals of in-service ankle surgeries. Therefore, the claim for secondary service connection is granted.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including peptic ulcer disease and GERD, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board finds that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are not severe enough to meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU.