GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal condition, including GERD and constipation, is not etiologically related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of a gastrointestinal disorder other than GERD, peripheral neuropathy (claimed as restless leg syndrome), and PTSD has been denied. The effective date for the award of a 100 percent rating for PTSD remains November 25, 2007.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment for which he would otherwise be qualified.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD and IBS are due to his active service, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's GERD is not related to service or secondary to his PTSD. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim and therefore denies service connection for GERD.

The Board denied service connection for acid reflux, right shoulder disability including arthritis, and chest injury. The Veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence of record.,There is no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's stomach and gastroesophageal reflux disease are found to be related to her active service, resulting in a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's GERD was initially granted service connection and assigned a noncompensable rating. The case has now been remanded to determine if the current GERD symptoms warrant a higher initial rating.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, finding that the Veteran was not exposed to herbicides in service and his claim is not supported by competent evidence. Service connection for GERD with a hiatal hernia remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of all claims.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss disability, sleep apnea, neck condition and gastrointestinal condition are all service-connected. The Board has also granted service connection for sinusitis and low back condition. However, the Veteran's bilateral shoulder, elbow, wrist and knee conditions have not been established as service-connected.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings on several conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD.

The Veteran's pyloroduodenal irritability with GERD was previously rated at 30 percent prior to July 1, 2014 and is now rated at 30 percent from July 1, 2014. The rating remains unchanged.

The Board has found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed sleep apnea is related to in-service symptoms and treatment, including snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnolence), which were treated with medication. As such, service connection for sleep apnea is granted.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome, digestive condition (including hernia and GERD), and diabetes mellitus were not found to be related to service.,There is no evidence of any diagnosed conditions in the Veteran's service records.

The Veteran's GERD is productive of considerable impairment of health, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine, as well as service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) secondary to a low back condition. The remaining issues regarding respiratory disability, prostate disability, and testicular disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment for which he would otherwise be qualified.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for GERD. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is found to be etiologically related to service.