GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to service, while his hypertension is found to be aggravated by PTSD. The claims for gastroparesis and GERD with Barrett's syndrome have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not establish a current disability or a link to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability. The left knee post-traumatic patella femoral pain syndrome has been rated at 10 percent since December 31, 2007.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was not caused or aggravated by her service-connected residuals of periumbilical herniorrhaphies, and therefore denied her claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not related to his active duty service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of an unknown tropical disease, including malaria and hepatitis, as well as an esophageal disorder, to include hiatal hernia and GERD, were denied.,There is no evidence in the record supporting a direct link between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's daughter, C. B., has been diagnosed with scoliosis, anxiety, major depressive disorder (MDD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, she was not shown to have been permanently incapable of self-support by reason of a mental or physical condition prior to attaining the age of 18 years.

The Veteran's GERD and hiatal hernia, with IBS, status post cholecystectomy have been rated at a maximum of 60 percent since March 12, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is related to his active service and granted service connection for this condition. The GERD issue remains pending as a new VA examination is required due to potential presumptive service connection under Gulf War criteria. The bilateral shoulder condition issue also requires further development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional records and further development.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including major depression and PTSD, are found to be related to his service. His GERD is also found to be related to his service.

The Veteran's GERD with a hiatal hernia is currently rated as 30 percent disabling.,Service connection for emphysema and OSA are granted.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current gastrointestinal disability, including whether it is related to service-connected anxiety disorder. The Veteran's claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for GERD and bilateral plantar fasciitis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD or a rating in excess of 30 percent for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for cluster headaches/migraines and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to April 9, 2012, or in excess of 50 percent thereafter for migraines. For GERD, the Veteran's symptoms were considered to be at least as severe as those warranting a 10 percent rating since October 26, 2015.,The Board also found that the evidence did not support a higher than 30 percent rating for GERD after October 26, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide an addendum opinion regarding his claims for service connection for sleep apnea, increased ratings for various disabilities, and other issues on appeal. The AOJ will also attempt to obtain any outstanding treatment records from the Darnall Army Medical Center.

The Veteran's GERD with a hiatal hernia is currently rated as 30 percent disabling.,Service connection for emphysema and OSA are granted.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, effective from the date of receipt of her claim in October 2010.