GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's GERD with vocal dysfunction and hypothyroidism are currently rated at 30 percent each, but the Board found no evidence to support higher ratings based on severe impairment of health or other specific criteria.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities, including a left foot condition and GERD. The Veteran also has multiple issues related to his cervical spine, lumbar spine, right wrist, knees, hips, and feet.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination, including service connection for a left hip disability, rating of lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, GERD, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, PTSD, and left knee strain.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination as they are incomplete or require clarification.

The claim for hiatal hernia/GERD is denied as it has not been reopened. The MDD increased rating claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD and a neck disorder is denied as there is no current diagnosis of GERD, and the Board finds that the Veteran's cervical spine symptoms are not related to an in-service injury or event.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD has been granted, and he is now rated at 10 percent for this condition. The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis remains denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lung condition, chronic fatigue syndrome, acid reflux disease, gastrointestinal problems, allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, and Type II diabetes mellitus due to lack of evidence of current disabilities or causal relationship to service. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD, anxiety and depression. The claims for duodenal ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and pneumonic lung scarring are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for upper back pain, respiratory disorders, pleural effusion/pneumothorax, ulcers, GERD, erectile dysfunction, infectious mononucleosis, migraines, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including ulcerative colitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), due to exposure to herbicide agents. The preponderance of evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran’s current gastrointestinal disorders are related to his military service or Agent Orange exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and examinations.,A VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran’s chronic kidney disease is related to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and service connection for PTSD with secondary uncontrolled angina and GERD is granted. Service connection for COPD is denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided for headaches and GERD were insufficient to decide the Veteran's claims. The Board has therefore ordered remand of these issues.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) claims are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus was denied in a June 2009 rating decision and is not reopened.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux, to include as secondary to PTSD, has been reopened with the submission of new evidence. The appeal is granted to this extent only.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied in a July 2013 rating decision and is not reopened.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus has been reopened with the submission of new evidence. Service connection is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition has been granted as it is presumed related to his service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for breathing problems, a spot on the lung, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, and acid reflux. The issues are inextricably intertwined with his claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, GERD, voiding dysfunction due to implant surgery associated with erectile dysfunction, PTSD, and TDIU as part of the increased rating issues. The Veteran is asked to provide updated VA treatment records and complete a VA Form 21-8940. He is also scheduled for VA examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for shortness of breath, left eye refractive error and incipient pterygium (secondary to right eye disability), left eye blepharitis and incipient nuclear sclerosis (secondary to right nasal pterygium), and hiatal hernia with GERD. The issues have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD have been rated at a 30 percent disability level for the entire appeal period, considering symptoms such as dysphagia, pyrosis, regurgitation, arm and shoulder pain, and the need to take continuous medication.