GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left ear hearing loss, fatigue disorder, intestinal condition, hiatal hernia, or psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of GERD/acid reflux, low back strain, and insomnia have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims. The appeal for a lung condition remains pending.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 10 percent, the minimum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7346. The Board found that his symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.,For headaches, the VA examiner stated there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus, migraine headache disability, acid reflux, left elbow disability, low back disability, right hand disability, and right shoulder disability. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of these conditions and that they were not related to service.

The reduction of the Veteran's 30 percent rating for GERD from July 1, 2013 to a 10 percent rating was found improper and restored the original 30 percent rating.,Service connection for a dental condition secondary to service-connected GERD was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), hiatal hernia (GERD), blood clots, night sweats, bilateral hearing loss, and hypertension are all service-connected.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection. The effective date of SMC based on aid and attendance is being determined as it may be factually ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's GI problems, including hemorrhoids, gastritis, GERD, hyperplastic polyps, recurrent epigastric pain with a history of H. pylori infection, and benign tubular adenoma of the colon, were not found to be related to service or radiation exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for stomach problems and GERD on a secondary basis, due to prescribed medications for service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's umbilical hernia is being remanded for further clarification of its etiology.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease and migraine disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and the potential availability of private medical records.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's neck disability, bilateral arm disability, bilateral knee disability (as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability), bilateral foot disability (as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability), obstructive sleep apnea, and GERD. The grants of service connection are based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD with gastritis and an ulcer as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability. However, it denied service connection for a separate sleep disorder and TDIU due to the Veteran's mental health condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, GERD, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity are granted. The initial ratings for GERD and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity remain unchanged.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD and erectile dysfunction are not service-connected.,Both conditions were diagnosed after the Veteran's separation from active duty, and there is no evidence linking them to his military service.

The Veteran's IBS with recurrent colon polyps and other gastrointestinal disorders, to include peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hiatal hernia, has been manifested by near-continuous abdominal pain despite the use of medication, in addition to recurring vomiting, alternating diarrhea and constipation, nausea, loss of energy, occasional melena and weight loss at the beginning of the appeal period.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's GERD with chronic constipation is currently rated at 30 percent, effective from November 9, 2016.,A separate rating for bilateral pes planus with calluses and metatarsalgia was granted as 50 percent prior to November 9, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing medical opinions regarding the etiology of his hearing loss, digestive disorder (GERD), and pulmonary disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a brain disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a relationship to service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current ulcers or GERD, and concluded that these conditions are more likely caused by obesity. Therefore, service connection for ulcers and GERD is denied.,The Board determined that there was no evidence of colitis during service and concluded that any current colitis (including diverticulosis and diverticulitis) is more likely due to obesity. Thus, service connection for colitis is denied.