GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain an opinion on the etiology of his GERD and erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoid disability is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board has determined that the criteria for a compensable rating have not been met at any point during the period on appeal.,The Veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia and GERD disability are currently rated as 30 percent disabling effective August 21, 2012. The Board has found that the criteria for an increased rating to a maximum of 60 percent have not been met at any point during the period on appeal.,The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain (back disability) is currently rated as 40 percent disabling, effective December 14, 2012. The Board has determined that the criteria for a higher rating to a maximum of 60 percent have not been met at any point during the period on appeal.

The Veteran's GERD was initially rated noncompensable prior to November 2, 2009. Since then, he has been assigned a 10 percent rating until June 20, 2013, and a 30 percent rating thereafter.,Since November 2, 2009, the Veteran's GERD resulted in persistent symptoms including heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing, which were productive of considerable impairment of health.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to the need for a more definitive opinion regarding whether the diabetes mellitus aggravated the GERD.

The Board has remanded the claims for hearing loss, sinusitis, left knee disability, left elbow disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease to obtain additional development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations for certain conditions.

The Veteran's current diagnoses of GERD, hypertension, and basal cell carcinoma of the back are not related to service or service-connected conditions. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 10% prior to October 15, 2007 and at 30% from February 6, 2009. The appeal for a higher rating remains before the Board.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including arthritis, is found to be service-connected. The Veteran's GERD with duodenitis is granted an increased rating to 30 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities have been granted, with effective dates set at February 17, 2009.,Effective from February 17, 2009, the Veteran is now entitled to VA benefits for her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia and Barrett's esophagitis, status post Nissen fundoplication with scars is rated at 30 percent. The issue of entitlement to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service connected disorders is REMANDED.