GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for gastrointestinal distress/gastroesophageal reflux disease, finding that his current GERD was not related to his military service.

The Veteran's GERD and Sinusitis have been granted service connection on a direct basis, with the Board finding that his current conditions are at least as likely as not related to active duty.

The Board denied service connection for a stomach disorder, including ulcers and GERD, as there was no evidence of such conditions in service or within one year after discharge.,Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, to include as secondary to treatment for prostate cancer, was also denied. The examiner concluded that the Veteran's condition is more likely due to his alcohol and substance abuse.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, finding that the Veteran did not have a diagnosis of GERD and that it was less likely than not caused by his service-connected renal cell carcinoma.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to insufficient evidence, including a lack of VA examinations. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for GERD was denied, and the claim for service connection for hypertension was also denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for GERD under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The claim for residuals of a right eye blow-out fracture was reopened but denied due to the Veteran missing an examination. Claims for gastrointestinal disability, bilateral flatfeet, deviated nasal septum (TBI), pseudo-folliculitis barbae, paralysis of cranial nerve V, and right infraorbital nerve numbness were also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The case is being remanded to obtain updated medical examinations.

The Veteran's right ankle condition is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability that began during service or is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,PTSD service connection is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to determine if it preexisted service and was aggravated by service.,Bilateral hearing loss service connection is remanded as there are no audiometric standards used in the April 2015 VA examination, requiring conversion from ASA to ISO-ANSI standards.,Tinnitus secondary to PTSD or a service-connected disability is remanded due to its intertwining with the PTSD claim and need for a new VA examination.,Hypertension service connection is remanded as there are no audiometric readings provided in the April 2015 VA examination, requiring conversion from ASA to ISO-ANSI standards. Additionally, it needs a VA examination to determine if it is secondary to PTSD or medication for any service-connected condition.,Gastrointestinal and acid reflux conditions service connection are remanded as they are intertwined with the PTSD claim and need a new VA examination.,Vertigo service connection is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea. The cases of chronic prostatitis, left upper extremity paresthesia, right upper extremity paresthesia, hemorrhoids, and GERD/hiatal hernia are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's GERD. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.

The Veteran's GERD, including vomiting, was granted service connection and assigned a 30 percent initial rating from February 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012. After that period, the Veteran received a 10 percent initial rating for GERD.,Service connection was also granted for peripheral vascular disease of the right lower extremity and allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's GI disabilities, including PUD, Barrett’s esophagus, and GERD, have increased in severity since the last VA examination. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right foot hallux valgus, gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia, and psychiatric disability due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete records.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals on all issues related to service connection for GERD, bilateral knee pain, and bilateral ankle pain. Service connection is granted for cervical spine disability (neck pain) but denied for lumbar spine disability, bilateral hand and finger pain, wrist pain, elbow pain, hip pain, and shoulder pain.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee instability and hiatal hernia with GERD and status post cholelithiasis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for hypertension, GERD, lead poisoning, itchy skin, diabetes mellitus, headaches, and anxiety disorder due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including those involving hearing loss, tinnitus, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), gastrointestinal disorders, GERD, erectile dysfunction, and a skin condition. The reasons include obtaining SSA records, scheduling examinations, and addressing whether these conditions are secondary to service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's claims for service connection of OSA, GERD, gastrointestinal disorder, erectile dysfunction, and a skin condition have also been remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for left elbow arthritis, GERD, and left knee disability due to incomplete records and procedural issues. The Veteran's statements and missing evidence need to be considered.

The Veteran's request to reopen a claim for service connection for tinnitus has been granted. Service connection is also granted for the acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and anxiety disorder. The claims for TBI, left shoulder disability, lumbar spine condition, left knee disability, sleep disorder, and GERD are all remanded.