GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right knee and left knee disabilities have been rated based on limitation of motion, with no higher ratings warranted due to the flexion and extension limitations not meeting the criteria for a higher rating.,For GERD, the Veteran has been rated at 10 percent since June 2015. The VA examiner found that his symptoms do not impact his ability to work.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability did not have its onset in service and is not otherwise related to active service. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records, arranging for VA examinations to assess his service-connected disabilities and any acquired psychiatric disorders, and determining the nature and etiology of any diagnosed eye disorders.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with dyspepsia and GERD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they do not meet or approximate the criteria for a 60 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 60 percent since September 9, 2017. Her migraine headaches are currently rated at 30 percent.,The right knee arthroscopy and TDIU issues remain pending.

The Veteran's skin disorder claim has been reopened, but service connection is not granted. The gastrointestinal disorder and psychiatric disorders claims are pending. Service connection for erectile dysfunction and arthritis of the feet have also been denied.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Veteran's hypertension and CFS claims have been reopened due to new evidence received since the last final denial.

The Veteran's claimed gastrointestinal disabilities, including GERD and IBS, are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for service connection under direct service connection rules.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or relationship to service. The claim for an initial rating of 10 percent for glaucoma is granted.

The Board has decided that the Veteran’s GERD is not service-connected as secondary to his right thumb condition, and has ordered additional development to determine if there is a link between the medications used for his right thumb condition and his GERD.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, cervical spondylosis, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and laparoscopic scar associated with hiatal hernia with GERD render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service. The appeals for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II were also denied as there was no evidence showing that these conditions required regulation of activities.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, and hiatal hernia is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as there were no symptoms of pain, vomiting, weight loss, hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, GERD, DJD of the right foot, hypertension, and arthritis of the AC joint of the right shoulder were denied as there was no credible evidence supporting her claimed stressors or diagnoses. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is service-connected, while his right ear hearing loss and bilateral foot disability are not. GERD was also denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Board also found that there is at least a reasonable possibility that the Veteran's current GERD is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records and provide an additional medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service, including exposure to herbicide agents.,No new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for GERD and hyperaldosteronism, as well as his claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, were denied by the Board. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression rendered her unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and she is considered disabled by the Social Security Administration due to her service-connected psychiatric disabilities. TDIU and DEA are granted from August 25, 2007.