GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and GERD, as well as entitlement to SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ, are denied. The claim for hernia disorder is remanded.

The Board dismissed all claims as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's GERD and cervical spine pain are granted service connection. The bilateral foot disability, right shoulder, knee, and ankle scars, and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome are all granted initial ratings of 30 percent.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, hypertension, acid reflux, and erectile dysfunction were not found to have begun during service or be related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety) was also not found to have begun during service or be related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, exercise-induced compartment syndrome of the legs, allergic rhinitis, GERD, or migraines prior to and after May 5, 2015. The Board also found that remand was necessary for further development regarding service connection for insomnia.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, rectal bleeding, rectal incontinence, colon damage, and a precancerous growth on the esophagus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service or radiation exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acquired psychiatric disorder are denied as not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's application to reopen service connection for allergic rhinitis has been granted. The claims for service connection for CAD, ED/Hypoandrogenism, hypercholesterolemia, and increased rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea syndrome has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of her sleep apnea.

The Veteran's GERD is granted with a 30 percent rating for the entire period on appeal. The RO has remanded cases regarding increased ratings for his left and right knee DJD, as well as traumatic arthritis of both ankles.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on various conditions have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded several issues including service connection claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypercholesterolemia has been denied as it does not constitute a disability for VA benefits purposes.,New and material evidence having been received, the claims for hypertension and alcoholism have both been reopened. Service connection is granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (depression and/or mood disorder), migraine headaches, and sleep apnea on secondary basis to service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's joint pain, coronary artery disease, diabetes, eye disorder, glaucoma, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, respiratory disorder (asthma), liver disorder, kidney disorder, erectile dysfunction, residuals of TBI, restless leg syndrome, GERD, and other issues have been remanded for further review.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is denied as it was received more than a year after discharge. The rectum sphincter control disability, GERD, and PTSD claims are granted with increased ratings. The hemorrhoids claim is denied. The right wrist and left wrist disabilities, and headaches claims are remanded.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at a 10% disability rating, effective August 1, 2014.,The Veteran's GERD with gallbladder removal is rated at a 30% disability rating, effective August 1, 2014.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities, as well as his GERD and depressive disorder have been evaluated but none of the conditions meet the criteria for a higher rating.,All issues related to increased ratings for the Veteran's knee disabilities, GERD, and depressive disorder were denied.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for irritable bowel syndrome and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing service personnel records, VA Form 21-8940s, and private treatment records.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for left arm and hand numbness was denied. An effective date of January 2, 2017, was granted for an increased rating in the Veteran’s lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with disc bulging.,An effective date of January 2, 2017, was granted for a separate compensable rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy. An effective date prior to March 13, 2017, was denied for an increased rating in the Veteran’s cervical spine degenerative arthritis with disc protrusion and stenosis.,An effective date of March 13, 2017, was granted for a separate compensable rating for right arm nerve impingement. An effective date prior to March 13, 2017, was denied for an increased rating in the Veteran’s cervical spine degenerative arthritis with disc protrusion and stenosis.,A rating of more than 10 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with disc bulging since January 2, 2017, and a rating of more than 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy since January 2, 2017, were denied.,A rating of 30 percent for GERD since March 13, 2017, and a rating of 50 percent for PTSD since March 13, 2017, were granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for PUD with GERD as new and material evidence was not received, despite his previous claims.

The Veteran's service-connected gout arthritis, hearing loss, tinnitus, and GERD disabilities preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.