GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for helicobacter pylori, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The issues of increased ratings for bilateral foot calluses have also been dismissed.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection. Specifically, a VA examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of any sleep disorder, and outstanding records are requested.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded to obtain additional medical records, schedule the Veteran for VA examinations, and address his exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tinnitus was dismissed due to the appellant's withdrawal.,Service connection was denied for cervical, low back, and right knee disabilities. The Veteran did not have TBI or a vision problem at any time during the pendency of the claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's request for vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits, including pursuit of a Juris Doctor (J.D.), is not supported by evidence in his file. The AOJ must ensure all relevant documents are obtained and associated with the claims file, obtain any outstanding VA treatment records, and contact the Veteran to gather additional information regarding his attempts at employment. A vocational rehabilitation evaluation should then be conducted to determine if the Veteran's proposed change of goal is feasible.

The Veteran's annual clothing allowance based on static qualifying disability is restored due to the continued use of a prescribed hinged knee brace and topical ointments that cause damage to his clothing.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted, while his sleep apnea claim is denied. The right and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's GERD was granted a 30% rating as of September 19, 2018. Prior to that date, the condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

Service connection for TBI and sleep apnea, as well as headaches and GERD, is denied.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, ulnar neuropathy of the right upper extremity, chronic right wrist disability, acid reflux disease, and PTSD. The claims are being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for gastrointestinal disability and obstructive sleep apnea due to new evidence received since a previous denial. The Veteran's claim for service connection for CAD was granted with an effective date of May 23, 1994 based on medical records showing a diagnosis of CAD at that time.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right hip disability and gastrointestinal disorder (GERD/gastritis) was granted. The right hip disability received a 10% rating, while the gastrointestinal disorder received no specific rating as it is part of the same claim.

The Board has remanded the claim for GERD due to lack of substantial compliance with its previous directives, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a medical professional.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic low back pain, finding that the evidence supports a nexus to service. The Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for hypertension was denied. The claim of service connection for GERD was dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal. The issue of service connection for sleep apnea is not before the Board at this time.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for PTSD was dismissed due to his withdrawal. Service connection was granted for tinnitus, left ear hearing loss with Meniere’s disease, and right ear hearing loss with Meniere’s disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) require additional medical examination to address the relationship between these conditions and his service-connected psychiatric disability and/or traumatic brain injury.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hyperlipidemia, anemia, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a right heel condition, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Board found that there was no evidence of these conditions during or within one year following his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical opinions. The issue of service connection based on herbicide exposure is also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and left knee arthritis, but denied the claims for chest pains (other than those due to GERD) and joint disorders. The Veteran's GERD is found to be related to his active service, while his left knee arthritis is also linked to his service. However, the chest pain and joint issues are not considered to have a direct link to his service.