GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's GERD and left ankle strain have been rated at the minimum disability ratings, with no evidence of symptoms that warrant higher evaluations.,Further development is needed to determine if the Veteran requires constant or near-constant oral medication for his cellulitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea is not related to her service-connected hypertension, and instead more likely due to obesity. The other conditions listed are remanded for further review.,The Veteran’s claims for left shoulder disability, low back disability, bilateral foot disabilities, gastrointestinal disability (GERD), right hip disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral ankle disability are all being remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the service connection of IBS and GERD.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings, TDIU, and temporary total rating are remanded due to outstanding records and the need for further medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, right shoulder disability, left shoulder disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to insufficient evidence on record.

The Veteran's GERD and chronic diarrhea are rated at 10 percent each, with no higher rating possible under the applicable diagnostic codes.,Erectile dysfunction is not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, right ankle disorder, eye condition, and stomach and esophageal condition due to the need for further examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability, GERD, and acquired psychiatric disabilities including PTSD are not related to his military service. The evidence does not show a connection between these conditions and his active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD and esophagitis is being remanded due to insufficient rationale in the previous examination report, requiring a new VA examination.

The Veteran's disability rating for GERD was restored from 10% to 60%, effective January 1, 2013. The appeal regarding the PTSD increased rating is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, IBS, hiatal hernia, and gastritis. The decision finds that the Veteran's symptoms began in service and are at least as likely as not related to his active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for GERD, bilateral foot condition, hypertension, and migraine headaches due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's initial ratings for eczema, GERD, scars left upper extremity, and keloid scars x 6, anterior trunk are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess current severity.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The right knee conditions, PTSD and alcohol abuse, GERD, and thoracic spine condition all resulted in denial of the requested increases.

The Board has remanded two issues: the Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for acid reflux disease and his claim for a higher initial rating for PVD of the LLE. The Veteran will need to undergo new VA examinations to determine the severity of these conditions without medication, and an addendum opinion on the severity of PVD prior to November 16, 2016.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, finding that it is neither related to his military service nor caused by or aggravated by his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's service connection claims for psoriatic arthritis and kidney disorder are remanded due to the AOJ failing to notify him of their findings regarding his treatment records from 'Arthritis Associates' in Hixson, Tennessee. The Veteran also has secondary theories of entitlement for these conditions.,The Veteran's service connection claim for a kidney disorder is remanded as he used Naproxen extensively to treat his service-connected orthopedic disorders and over time, the Naproxen damaged his kidneys.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a neurogenic bladder as secondary to his service-connected low back disability is granted.,The Veteran's service connection claim for GERD as secondary to long-term use of NSAIDs related to his service-connected disabilities is remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including diabetes, heart disorder, lower back condition, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, hearing loss, tinnitus, GERD, and service connection. The issues are inextricably intertwined due to their interrelated nature.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate Gulf War VA examination and need for further medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.