GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Veteran is granted an initial noncompensable evaluation for GERD prior to September 2, 2011 and a compensable (10%) evaluation thereafter.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease were denied as there was no evidence of the required severity to warrant higher disability ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.,For his gastric disorder, a maximum rating of 60 percent has been granted based on severe symptoms including pain, vomiting, and weight loss.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) has been increased to 100 percent effective June 5, 2014. The issue of service connection for GERD remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fatigue and painful joints, headache disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied as these conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee replacement, gastritis, GERD, and gastric ulcers are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected myelitis. Therefore, these claims for secondary service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for separate compensable evaluations for service-connected recurrent pancreatitis with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were denied as a matter of law. The Board found that the diseases overlap and produce similar symptoms, thus only one disability rating is warranted.

The evidence does not support the presence of current diagnoses for GERD or a stomach disorder, and there is no direct service connection based on in-service symptoms. The Veteran's STRs show treatment for gastroenteritis, gastritis, and diarrhea but no ongoing issues post-separation.

The Veteran's fatigue, heart disease (MI), arthritis/DISH, BCC, Peyronie's disease, and GERD were not shown to be related to service or undiagnosed illness.,All conditions are presumed not to have been incurred in service.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and gastritis have been granted service connection.,Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gastritis have not been granted service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease, diverticulosis, and chronic abdominal pain secondary to diverticulitis and diverticulosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD is not related to his service or service-connected PTSD, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his headaches or GERD with diarrhea.

The Board found that the Veteran's Reactive Airway Disease (claimed as asthma) is not related to his active military service and denied the claim for service connection. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to June 30, 2016, remains on appeal.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent evaluation prior to March 28, 2011. The GERD was characterized by persistent symptoms but did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent disabling, and her major depressive disorder is denied an evaluation in excess of 50 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disability was rated at 20 percent prior to September 8, 2010 and increased to 40 percent from that date. The rating is based on recurrent incapacitating episodes averaging 10 days or more in duration at least four times a year.

The Board granted service connection for GERD and assigned a non-compensable rating prior to January 27, 2011, and a 10 percent rating from that date forward. The Veteran's GERD symptoms included persistent heartburn, regurgitation, and abdominal pain.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder and granted a higher rating of 30 percent for GERD. The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, tinnitus at 10 percent, and bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable rating.