GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine spondylosis is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD symptoms more closely align with a 30 percent rating under DC 7346, warranting an effective date for this increased rating since the receipt of his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and arranging for medical examinations to assess the nature and likely etiology of her GERD and allergic rhinitis, as well as assessing the current severity of her service-connected low back and neck disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability did not have its onset in service and is not related to his service-connected conditions or Gulf War exposure. The hypertension claim was also denied as there was no evidence of a compensable degree within one year of separation, and it was not secondary to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) have been rated at 20 percent since June 7, 2005. The Board has determined that the symptoms warrant this rating based on moderate manifestations of intermittent heartburn, abdominal pain, distention, indigestion, and epigastric distress.

The Veteran's hypertension, GERD, prostate disability (benign prostatic hypertrophy), and lung disability (COPD) were not found to be related to service or a service-connected condition. The Board denied these claims.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 60 percent for the Veteran's hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that his sleep impairment caused by esophageal reflux produces severe impairment of health.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current gastrointestinal disorder or heart palpitations due to her active military service.,Service connection for these conditions is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and no medical opinion linking them to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain a comprehensive VA examination and opinion regarding his claimed gastrointestinal disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a hearing loss disability of the right ear, an acquired psychiatric disorder, left leg disability, and gastrointestinal disability are all denied as there is no current disability found in each case.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to an inadequate examination in October 2013 and a need for further development of his medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and clarifying the nature of his psychiatric disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, GERD, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered to be related to his active military service.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia has been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent, based on persistent symptoms including heartburn, regurgitation, and substernal pain.

The Board found that the Veteran was properly found to be rehabilitated for purposes of the vocational rehabilitation program, but there is insufficient evidence to determine whether his service-connected disabilities have worsened to the extent that they preclude him from performing the duties of school paraprofessional or if the occupation is now unsuitable on the basis of his specific employment handicap and capabilities. The case is REMANDED for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for allergic rhinitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with hiatal hernia must be remanded due to the need for further development, including medical examinations.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder is service-connected, and his sleep apnea is secondary to this condition. The Board finds no evidence of asbestos exposure or other conditions related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's ED and GERD are not service connected as they are not related to his active duty service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, residuals of gallbladder removal, and GERD are denied as there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.