GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease prior to May 30, 2018 is denied.,The Veteran's evaluation in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease since May 30, 2018 is also denied.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia has been rated at 30 percent, and no higher, due to persistent recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating of hemorrhoids and service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's acid reflux prior to May 1, 2013 was not manifested by symptoms of persistent recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm/shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health. Therefore, a rating greater than 10 percent is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for GERD, OSA, and a right knee condition due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The RO is instructed to obtain updated VA and private treatment records, confirm periods of active duty service, and schedule examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's gout is service-connected, but his vitamin B12 deficiency and diabetes mellitus type II are not.,Service connection for bilateral upper and lower extremity neuropathy, nocturia, kidney failure, nephrolithiasis, stomach and colon polyps with wedge resection, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and anemia is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected bronchitis and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s disability picture did not more nearly approximate the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 6600, and concluded he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his migraines and mental health issues.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD and hiatal hernia were not found to warrant a higher rating, and his migraine headaches did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. Service connection for hypertension was also denied.

The Veteran's cluster headaches, RLE radiculopathy, and GERD have been granted increased ratings of 30 percent each. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to consider the issue of a rating in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia prior to October 25, 2017. The AOJ must reconsider this matter and provide an appropriate supplemental statement of the case.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance of another person due to service-connected disabilities, as well as housebound status due to service-connected disabilities. The evidence did not establish that the Veteran was in need of regular aid and assistance or permanently housebound solely due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for left shoulder injury, sleep apnea, bruxism/TMJ, hearing loss, and a compensable evaluation for sinusitis have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims.,Service connection for GERD has been denied as there is no evidence that it began during service or is related to an in-service injury or disease. The claim for PTSD has also been denied.

The Veteran's service connection for a left ear hearing loss disability, tinnitus, and deviated septum has been restored. Service connection for PTSD, GERD, sleep apnea, hypertension, and coronary artery disease is remanded.

The Veteran's initial increased disability ratings for panic disorder, headaches, GERD, and sinusitis prior to March 12, 2019 are denied. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Board has remanded the claims due to new evidence received since the March 2019 Supplemental Statement of the Case, and the Veteran should be issued a new SSOC.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to March 3, 2017 for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and in the absence of clear and unmistakable error. The earliest effective date VA can assign is March 3, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, IBS, and GERD due to environmental exposures during service in Southwest Asia (Gulf War). The VA examinations are needed to determine if these conditions are related to his military service or due to exposure to chemical and environmental hazards.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the veteran's current GERD, right knee patellar dislocation, and residuals of right knee surgery are related to her period of basic training in 1980.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated as noncompensable, but a higher rating of 10 percent is granted. The Veteran's cerebral aqueduct stenosis with headaches and cervical degenerative disc disease are both remanded for further examination.