GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable since April 1, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether his service-connected conditions make it impossible for him to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran was granted a 60% rating for his hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus from August 14, 2017. He also received special monthly compensation (SMC) effective from that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and thus grants entitlement to TDIU.

The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including liver disorder, kidney disorder, renal failure, acid reflux, Barrett’s disease, stomach disorder, and intestinal disorder, all of which the Veteran claimed were related to contaminated water exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Board found no current disabilities or evidence of in-service events that could support service connection.

The Veteran's GERD was not related to service, and the Board denied service connection for this condition.,There is no current diagnosis of left wrist or neck disabilities. The Board denied service connection for these conditions.

An effective date of February 16, 2010 is granted for the grant of TDIU.,An effective date of February 16, 2010 is granted for the grant of DEA benefits.,A disability rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is granted at a 40 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran’s hemorrhoid disability and low back disability are also granted with respective ratings. Other issues related to service connection or increased ratings have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for high blood pressure and GERD are remanded due to the need for a statement of the case.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and increased ratings has been granted, but effective dates prior to the date of receipt of claims are denied. The Veteran is also granted TDIU.

The Veteran's GERD was diagnosed in service and is considered to have manifested during service, granting the claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome, including as due to an undiagnosed illness, finding that the evidence did not establish a relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's left knee strain and gastroesophageal reflux disease were remanded for further action due to incomplete records. The decision on the rating for left knee strain is granted with a 10% rating.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for gastroenteritis, GERD, and headache disorder have been granted due to the submission of new and material evidence. The hearing loss and tinnitus claims remain denied.

The Veteran's cervical strain and arthritis of the lumbar spine are not rated higher than 10 percent. GERD is rated at 10 percent, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is rated at 20 percent, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's GERD is granted service connection as secondary to medications used for other service-connected conditions. The claims for left and right hand disabilities are denied due to lack of in-service injury or chronic disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient medical opinions and the need for additional examination. The issues include right elbow, left knee, and right knee conditions; PTSD; sleep apnea; hypertension; gastrointestinal condition; acid reflux; erectile dysfunction; neuropathy; diabetes mellitus; and heart condition.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for right ear hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and bilateral senile cataract (claimed as vision and eye disorder, residual from 2003 infection) are all denied.,Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is denied. The Veteran's GERD is not shown to be related to service or a service-connected condition.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is denied. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is not shown to be related to service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has remanded the remaining issues on appeal due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, sleep apnea, and GERD. Effective December 30, 2011, the Veteran was awarded service connection for fibromyalgia, asthma, and cold induced urticaria with a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding all issues related to service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep apnea, hypertension, acid reflux, ischemic heart disease, a scar from heart surgery, and a residual scar on the left knee. The appeal was dismissed.