GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Board denied the Veteran's request for reentrance into the VA vocational rehabilitation and employment program, finding that his service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the extent that he is precluded from performing work duties or that the occupation previously found rehabilitated is unsuitable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information about his medical history and any relevant private treatment providers.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include joint pain, muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), respiratory condition, and heart condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for residuals of shattered right hand and knuckles, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bilateral ankle disorder, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), residuals of cracked left-rib cage, and a low back disability due to incomplete records from National Guard units.

The Veteran's GERD was not shown to meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and his claim for service connection for migraine headaches is remanded due to inadequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings, effective dates, and service connection have been remanded due to the need for further development or clarification of certain issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD has been reopened and granted. The issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and kidney disease have been granted. The claim for service connection for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease due to exposure to herbicide agents is remanded, as well as the claim for gastrointestinal disorder (acid reflux).,Service connection has been established for hypertension on a direct basis. Service connection for kidney disease secondary to hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are pending further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and readjudication due to incomplete VA treatment records, including those from January 2013 to June 2016. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his acid reflux disability will also be considered.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for sciatica, a cervical spine disorder, and GERD are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal disability, including diverticulitis with GERD, is rated at 50 percent. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, duodenal ulcer with Barrett's esophagus and GERD, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. As such, TDIU on an extraschedular basis is granted.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and the reopening of a tinnitus claim. The tobacco use disorder claim is denied as there is no evidence it is related to active service other than in-service cigarette smoking.

The Board has not fully addressed the service connection for GERD and Barrett's esophagus due to a service-connected duodenal ulcer, as requested in previous remands. The case is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Board denied the reopening of claims for service connection for depression, GERD, a skin rash, and bronchitis. The claim for hypertension was reopened but not granted due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's GERD with small hiatal hernia has been granted a 30 percent rating since January 6, 2019.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection for various conditions and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for bronchial asthma is dismissed. A 10 percent rating is granted for GERD and a 10 percent rating is granted for PFB under Diagnostic Code 7800.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for GERD, stomach pain, lumbar spine disability, and obstructive sleep apnea due to unresolved issues.