GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's GERD is being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for a medical opinion regarding its relationship to his service-connected migraines and/or cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer with GERD is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's GERD and its relation to service. The claim will be returned for further investigation, including obtaining missing service records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and requested additional records from the Veteran's former employer.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a stomach disorder, including as due to herbicide exposure, finding that there was no evidence linking his current conditions to his military service or herbicide exposure. The new evidence submitted did not provide any new information regarding these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, finding no new and material evidence to support his contention that his current condition is related to military service.

The Board has denied reopening the Veteran's claims for a bilateral foot condition, sleep apnea, and gastrointestinal disorder. The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for his service-connected hearing loss and PTSD is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a skin disability, denied the right upper extremity disability claim, and denied an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for GERD.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear otitis media, sinus arrhythmia/tachycardia, and hypertension (HTN) as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The right shoulder disability is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis.,Service connection for dermatitis was also granted.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 3, 2012, for the grant of service connection for GERD with hiatal hernia was denied. The Veteran also had his claim for a higher rating than 10 percent for GERD with hiatal hernia denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations of various disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran's chronic maxillary sinusitis was granted an increased rating of 30 percent prior to September 20, 2015. The claim for a higher rating after that date is denied. The non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis and GERD claims are both denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for otitis media and stomach ulcers (GERD) as secondary to a deviated septum, but remanded for further development due to incomplete VA examination opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for reopening her claims of service connection for lung disease, low back disability with sciatica, and gastrointestinal disability was dismissed as she withdrew the claim for lung disease. The issues of service connection for low back disability and gastrointestinal disability were reopened.

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD, increased rating for chronic lumbar sprain with associated right lower extremity radiculopathy, and kidney condition were dismissed. The appeals for service connection for a right shoulder condition, sinus condition, obstructive sleep apnea, GERD, and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied as the evidence did not show that his tinnitus manifested to a compensable degree during active duty or within a presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology is not established.,Service connection for GERD with gastritis and status post right lower rib cage fracture with bony tender prominence were granted effective August 31, 2011.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for increased ratings on multiple conditions, including left shoulder bursitis, thoracolumbar strain, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, hip osteoarthritis, knee patellofemoral syndrome (both knees), ankle post-operative changes, sinusitis, and hiatal hernia with GERD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, vertigo, hypogonadism with metabolic syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypercholesterolemia due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their onset or aggravation during active duty.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection on a presumptive basis as it manifested within the one-year presumptive period following her separation from active service. The other issues were remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete medical examinations and lack of proper verification of a stressor.