GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues related to service connection, including ischemic heart disease, hypertension, shoulder disability, prostate disability, residuals of right lower inguinal injury, eczema, bilateral foot fungus, ulcers, GERD, Parkinson's disease, and COPD.

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities have been granted increased ratings, with the highest possible evaluation for his cervical spine disability. The GERD claim was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, GERD, hematuria, fibromyalgia, ulcer, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, left shoulder disability, nerve damage to the left hand, arms, and feet, and right hand disability have been denied due to lack of credible supporting evidence for the claimed in-service stressors and no link between current conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a cardiovascular disorder and hypertension, secondary to hepatitis C, have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's stomach disorder, diagnosed as GERD, pre-existed service and was not aggravated beyond its natural progression by an in-service event. Therefore, service connection for a stomach disorder is denied.

The Veteran's headaches were rated at 30 percent prior to December 15, 2016 and 50 percent thereafter. The current rating is not higher.,The Veteran's back disability was rated at 20 percent prior to December 15, 2016 and 40 percent thereafter. The current rating is not higher.,The Veteran's right ulnar nerve condition was rated at 10 percent. A higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence provided.,The Veteran's GERD was rated as noncompensable prior to December 15, 2016 and as 10 percent thereafter. The current rating is not higher.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the relationship between his service-connected disabilities and his hypertension, sleep apnea, and GERD.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and an undiagnosed gastrointestinal illness, both due to the Veteran's service in Southwest Asia. The rating assigned is 10%.

The Veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenal ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and status post sigmoid resection are rated at 40 percent effective from November 23, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for all issues, with the exception of her initial compensable evaluation for epicondylitis right elbow. The denial is based on lack of evidence supporting higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to March 16, 2016 is being remanded as the evidence suggests that he may be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for a lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The rating assigned is 30%.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board has granted a higher rating of 30 percent based on his symptoms and their impact on health.

The Veteran's cause of death, adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, was not found to be related to his active service or exposure to contaminated waters at Camp Lejeune. The Board determined that there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's cancer and ultimate death to any aspect of his service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's claimed conditions are related to his service, including exposure to contaminants at Anderson Air Force Base (AAFB).

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities prior to October 14, 2015.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 10 percent since November 2008. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they were infrequent and mild.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, stomach ulcers, acid reflux, allergies, asthma, COPD, and chronic sinusitis as these conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for migraine headaches, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and GERD, each including as due to service-connected right knee arthritis. The Veteran did not experience any current disability related to these conditions that could be attributed to active service or any incident of service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, GERD, and esophageal cancer were not incurred during service or due to a service-connected disability. The effective dates for service connection are denied.