GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the claims for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a lower gastrointestinal disorder, an upper gastrointestinal disorder, and erectile dysfunction due to the need for additional medical opinions. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board has granted service connection for diverticulosis and remanded the issue of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Service connection is granted for diverticulosis as it began during active duty. The matter of GERD is remanded due to lack of a medical opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, fibromyalgia as secondary to PTSD, and chronic fatigue syndrome as secondary to PTSD. The claim for gastric disorder (IBS and GERD) is remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for her low back disability is denied. The Board found that the objective medical findings did not support a higher rating, despite the Veteran's reported symptoms and functional limitations. Her claim for TDIU was granted as she met the schedular requirements and had service-connected disabilities rated at least 60% combined.

The Board dismissed the appeals seeking service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, erectile dysfunction, neurological conditions, an anxiety disorder, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and major depressive disorder.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 10 percent prior to February 8, 2016. From February 8, 2016, the rating for GERD was increased to 30 percent.

The Veteran's GERD and right shoulder disorder are service-connected, but the residuals of head injury claim is denied. The bilateral eye disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

For the period from February 1, 2009 to October 28, 2009, the Veteran's peripheral artery disease was rated at 40 percent.,For the period from October 28, 2009 to November 16, 2016, the Veteran's acid reflux disease was rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to June 10, 2008 was denied as the evidence did not show that he had difficulty obtaining and retaining employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. His stomach disorder, low back disability, and right leg disability are denied. The VA has remanded the issues of residuals of a concussive injury (headaches) and breathing problems for further evaluation.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it was caused by his military service or permanently worsened by his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected headaches. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to headaches is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

This decision is remanded for additional development to obtain updated VA and private treatment records, including from a medical facility in Sedalia, Missouri. The Veteran should also be provided an opportunity to submit lay statements regarding her service-connected conditions and their impact on her ability to work.,The Veteran's kidney stones claim will require a new VA examination to determine if she had any such condition during service or is otherwise related to service. Her sinusitis and right hip disability claims will need a new VA examination, including the May 2012 private treatment record, to assess whether they began in service or are related to service.,The Veteran's GERD claim requires a new VA examination to determine its current severity. The cervical spine disability claim needs a new VA examination to evaluate her radiculopathy of the upper extremities and to assess any associated objective neurologic abnormalities under an appropriate diagnostic code. Her right elbow disabilities will need a new VA examination to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and a dental disability, claimed as secondary to GERD, are being remanded due to the need for further medical opinion regarding the etiology of his GERD.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is found to be the cause of his alcoholism, but not for his coronary artery disease (CAD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or hernia condition.

The Veteran's claim to reopen a previously denied bilateral hand disability was not granted as new and material evidence has not been received.,Moderate left carpal tunnel syndrome and mild ulnar neuropathy at the wrist and elbow were not service-connected, as they did not have their onset during active service or within one year of discharge.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for constipation and acid reflux (GERD) due to secondary effects from service-connected conditions.,Further medical examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent fatigue and GERD were denied. The Veteran was granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent for PTSD with major depressive disorder prior to September 19, 2012, a 100 percent rating from June 1, 2016 onward, and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD and sinusitis have been granted a 10 percent rating each, effective as of the date of this decision.