GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's cervical spine and left carpal tunnel disabilities were dismissed due to the RO granting them in full. The right ear hearing loss disability, actinic keratosis (skin condition), acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), right shoulder and knee disabilities, sleep apnea, hernia, GERD, and TBI have been denied. Service connection for hypertension has also been denied.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for IBS, gastric ulcer, hiatal hernia and GERD has been denied.,The Veteran's temporary total rating based on hospitalization for hysterectomy is dismissed as her service-connected condition already warranted a 100% disability rating.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and diabetes mellitus, type II as there was no evidence of current disabilities during the appeal period.

The Veteran's GERD was incurred in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings were dismissed. The Board also remanded several issues related to effective dates.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to newly obtained VA treatment records and a VA examination report. The claims include service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, erectile dysfunction, an acquired psychiatric condition (major depressive disorder), varicose veins of the left and right lower extremities, and sleep apnea.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for a low back disability and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for either condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection of right knee condition, left knee condition, GERD, and benign skin neoplasms. The appeals are granted to those extents.

The Board has determined that VA examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of various conditions, including low back and cervical spine disorders, shoulder disorders, knee disorders, hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, TBI, headaches, and hand tremors. The Veteran's service records show in-service accidents and injuries, but further medical evaluation is required to establish a connection between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has been reopened and granted. The claims for service connection for pes planus, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, upper respiratory condition (including sinusitis), pulmonary condition (including emphysema, COPD, and chronic airway obstruction not elsewhere classified), sleep apnea, heart condition, and gastrointestinal condition have been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the appellant's death.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for depressive disorder and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for new examinations and a review of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran filed a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) regarding seven service connection claims, and thus remanded these issues for further action.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for service connection and disability ratings in multiple conditions, including right rotator cuff injury, hypertension, GERD, lumbosacral strain, radiculopathy of the left leg, radiculopathy of the right leg, and depression.

The Veteran's GERD and cervical dysplasia status post hysterectomy have been remanded for further review.,A claim to reopen the diabetes mellitus service connection has also been remanded.

The Veteran's acid reflux was not incurred during active duty service or resulted from an in-service injury, illness, or event. The Board found the Veteran's assertions concerning in-service onset and subsequent chronicity to be unreliable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for lipomas was denied in a previous decision, and new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim.,Service connection for hypertension is denied as there is no evidence linking the current condition to active service.,Service connection for GERD is denied due to lack of evidence showing that the condition began during service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,Service connection for hepatitis C is denied because there is insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's current diagnosis and his period of active service.

The Veteran is granted an effective date of November 19, 1994 for the award of service connection for a right armpit scar. Service connection for tinnitus and IBS are denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's hypertension was not manifested during service and is not related to service.,The Veteran’s current disability rating of 10 percent for tinnitus is the highest schedular disability rating for tinnitus.

The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder, depressive type is rated at 100% for the entire period on appeal. Service connection is remanded for Barrett’s Syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The TDIU claim is also remanded.