GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's postcholecystectomy syndrome with hepatomegaly and dilated common bile duct is currently rated at 50 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7311. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for gout, right shoulder impingement syndrome with degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, and GERD as there was no evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has requested an advisory medical opinion and is remanding the case to obtain additional VA and private medical records related to the Veteran's GERD disability.

The Board has granted service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the left true vocal cord and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a sleep disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy due to insufficient evidence or conflicting opinions.

Service connection is granted for hypertension, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Service connection remains denied for a lumbar spine disability and right thigh and knee disability.,The Veteran's current diagnoses of hypertension, gastritis, and GERD are considered to be related to service.

The Veteran's disability rating for IBS and GERD was reduced from 60% to 30%, but the Board has restored the original 60% rating.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all conditions and issues except hypertension, PTSD/Depressive Disorder with Memory Loss, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome, GERD, back disorder, right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, right and left hand disabilities, diverticulitis, chronic constipation, urinary incontinence, arthritis of the entire body, fibromyalgia/arthralgia, erectile dysfunction, rhinitis, migraine headaches, fungus of the feet, sinusitis, hypercholesterolemia. The Board dismissed these appeals as per the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for GERD was granted, and the effective date is set at April 7, 2015.

The appeal is dismissed as the September 12, 2013 substantive appeal was untimely. The effective date for service connection of GERD is denied as no claim was received until September 12, 2013. An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease. The issues of rating left and right hip conditions, and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for reopening service connection for left hip and left ankle disabilities have been granted. The Board has also remanded several issues including service connection for thyroid cancer, breast mass, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, hypertension, digestive disorder, respiratory condition, upper back/neck disability, migraine headaches, and others.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, to include atypical chest pain and palpitations is denied. The Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD are currently rated as 30 percent disabling, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7346. The Veteran is granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by right leg weakness is granted. The claims for service connection for stomach disability (GERD) and respiratory disorder are denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions were denied, with the effective date being October 11, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete development, including obtaining VA treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits determinations, and an addendum opinion on the etiology of her left thumb disability. The effective date issue is also being addressed.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia, but has remanded these issues due to additional development needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a trauma and stressor related disorder, and associated depression is granted.,Service connection for GERD secondary to service-connected mental disabilities is granted.,Service connection for hemorrhoids secondary to service-connected GERD is granted.,Heart disability and polyps are remanded.

All claims for service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.,The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability related to any of the claimed conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for initial compensable ratings and effective dates for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hearing loss. The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded.