GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's PTSD and GERD/Hiatal Hernia have been granted, but the ratings are at their maximum levels. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating under either condition.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral shin splints, allergic rhinitis (sinus problems), GERD, and left knee disability are all granted. The Board finds that the Veteran had these conditions during his active duty in Iraq.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated as 30 percent disabling, effective from the date of his claim.,There is at least equipoise evidence that the Veteran's sleep apnea may be aggravated by his service-connected GERD.

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of service connection for chronic choking, secondary to his service-connected GERD is dismissed as he has withdrawn this claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including atrial fibrillation, left ear hearing loss, low back disability, GERD, wrist and shoulder disabilities, and vertigo have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia, Barrett's esophagus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are currently rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the average earning capacity impairment due to these conditions does not exceed 30 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent since December 9, 2004 and in excess of 30 percent from November 5, 2011. The GERD with hiatal hernia is rated at 10 percent since January 25, 2017.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus has been consistently manifested by pain on use, characteristic calluses, and no other marked deformity. His GERD with hiatal hernia was noted to be controlled in December 2009 but had recurred with episodes of bleeding.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux with hiatal hernia is rated at 30 percent since November 18, 2009. The Veteran reported symptoms such as regurgitation, pyrosis, dysphagia, reflux, and choking. His disability picture best approximates a rating of 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 7346.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities for which service connection can be granted, and therefore denied his claims of entitlement to service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bilateral plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and bilateral metatarsal stress fracture.

The Board has granted the Veteran's appeal for service connection for GERD. The issue of service connection for fibromyalgia, formerly claimed as osteopenia and due to Gulf War syndrome, is dismissed as it was resolved by a grant of service connection.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted effective from March 15, 2013, based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's current gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was not incurred in service and is not otherwise related to his service-connected PTSD. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for gastrointestinal signs or symptoms other than bowel dysfunction (GERD) and abnormal weight changes, finding that there was no evidence to support a current disability. The claim for fatigue is pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, have rendered him incapable of obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection for chronic sinusitis and asthma, also claimed as respiratory problems (fatigue), was granted. Service connection for urticaria due to undiagnosed illness is also established.,Effective November 1, 2011, the combined disability rating for chronic sinusitis and asthma was severed.

The Veteran's Parkinson's disease, diabetes mellitus type II, CAD, and soft tissue sarcomas of the lung and right upper extremity/right shoulder are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran also has chronic kidney disease and diabetic neuropathy that are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's GERD, headaches, psychiatric disorder (depression), hypertension, arthritis, erectile dysfunction, brittle nails, and syphilis are not presumed to be due to herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability warrants a rating of 40 percent prior to July 12, 2016 and 60 percent since then.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 7346 for a hiatal hernia. The symptoms include persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm/shoulder pain, which constitutes considerable impairment of health.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for depressive disorder with alcohol disorder is granted, and the issues of service connection for macular degeneration (on a new and material basis), hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, skin disorder, onychomycosis, residuals of right index finger disability, and GERD are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed bilateral eye disability and GERD were not incurred during or as a result of his military service, including any exposure to asbestos. The claims are therefore denied.