GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent effective November 29, 2018. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to the frequency and severity of her prostrating attacks.

The Veteran's fatigue, intestinal disorder, and GERD have been granted service connection as due to undiagnosed illnesses experienced during his Gulf War service.,A total (100%) rating for depressive disorder NOS has been granted.

The Veteran's right shoulder strain is characterized by painful motion and limited motion to 90 degrees beyond the side level, resulting in a denial of an increased rating above 20 percent.,The Veteran's IBS with GERD is characterized as moderate pyrosis and regurgitation, leading to a grant of a non-compensable rating which was later upgraded to 10 percent effective February 6, 2012. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating in excess of 10 percent remains pending.,The Veteran's cervical strain is characterized by complaints of neck pain and limited rotation during service, with no current evidence of limitation or dysfunction. Service connection for this condition is also pending.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for a skin disability of the bilateral toes was denied. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a gastrointestinal and/or esophageal disorder, to include GERD.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal condition (GERD) and upper and lower back strain are granted as service-connected. The evidence supports the claims based on continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant's representative withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals. The Board has also remanded several issues for further examination.

The Veteran's disability rating for GERD has been restored to 10 percent since September 19, 2016.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent from November 9, 2007 through April 18, 2011.,Initial evaluations of 20 percent for residuals of left and right ankle sprains are granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further consideration of whether entitlement to a TDIU is warranted on an extraschedular basis for the period from April 15, 2004, to October 14, 2015.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and meniscal cartilage issues, is being remanded for further evaluation. His GERD/gastric ulcer disorder and psychiatric condition are also being remanded due to the submission of new evidence.,A TDIU claim is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the other claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) associated with herbicide exposure due to a lack of proper notification regarding scheduled VA examinations. The Veteran must be provided another opportunity to report for these examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and further review is needed.

The Veteran's additional disabilities, including GERD and IBS, were caused by an error in the June 18, 2009 colonoscopy performed at a non-Department medical facility by a private physician under VA contract. However, as no disability was actually caused by treatment furnished by VA, compensation is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Veteran was granted a 100 percent rating from December 6, 2017 for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, peptic ulcers, acid reflux and H. Pylori infection is denied as the evidence does not establish a nexus to service or an intercurrent cause. The Veteran also did not meet the criteria for TDIU due to his combined disability evaluation being less than 70%.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were granted. The right foot condition was denied as there is no current evidence of a disability. A rating higher than 10 percent for the back disability remains pending.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings and service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded several issues related to lumbar spine disorders, including radiculopathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for GERD, right heel calcaneal spur, and low back strain from October 20, 2011 to November 6, 2015 were denied. The claim for an increased rating for the low back strain from November 6, 2015 was also denied.