GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the remaining issues on appeal for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining treatment records.

The Veteran's last sickness and/or burial were reimbursed in the amount of $4,953.00.,The cause of the Veteran’s death for purposes of service-connected burial benefits was denied.,There is no effective date prior to August 22, 2008, for the grant of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, for accrued benefits purposes.,No compensable rating was granted for amebiasis, intestinal, chronic, prior to August 22, 2008, for accrued benefits purposes.,No compensable rating was granted for urticaria, for accrued benefits purposes.,Service connection for a left elevated diaphragm, for accrued benefits purposes, was denied.,Service connection for a bilateral upper extremity disorder, claimed as aching of the arm and shoulder, for accrued benefits purposes, was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's abdominal conditions and their relationship to service. The VA examiner was requested to provide a more detailed opinion on whether the Veteran's current symptoms are related to her service, as well as whether her major depressive disorder may have caused or aggravated her abdominal conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and his claim for an increased rating for stressor related disorder was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that there is new and material evidence to reopen the claims. The issues of service connection are being remanded due to insufficient opinions provided in previous evaluations.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of cervical spine disability due to new evidence. Service connection is denied for GERD and respiratory condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including dyspepsia and GERD, as they were not incurred in or related to his active service. The decision also denied secondary service connection based on use of anti-depressants.

The Veteran's GERD is being remanded for further examination to determine if it is related to service, specifically exposure to environmental hazards and chemicals during service in Southwest Asia.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss has been rated as noncompensable since September 24, 2013. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a compensable rating for any time during the appeal period.,The Veteran’s eye problems, left knee disorder, hypertension, and stomach problems (GERD and chronic diarrhea) are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen any of these claims.

The Veteran's GERD and tinnitus claims were denied, while her claim for residuals of anal fissures as secondary to IBS was granted.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss increased rating claim is remanded to obtain relevant treatment records and provide a new examination.,The Veteran's right fifth finger disability claim requires clarification due to the lack of an opinion on the etiology of his symptoms.,A VA examination is necessary for the left upper, right upper, and left lower extremities to determine if any current complaints are related to service.,The Veteran's psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, anxiety, and depression) claim requires a new examination and opinion due to inconsistencies in his reports and lack of support from STRs.,The Veteran's gastroesophageal disability (GERD), lumbar spine disability, and shifted pelvis claims require the retrieval of relevant VA treatment records and clarification on sources of treatment for these disabilities.,,

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

The Veteran's GERD with Barrett’s esophagus and a cholecystectomy have been granted service connection, but the RO has not assigned an appropriate rating. The Veteran asserts that his gastrointestinal disabilities have increased in severity since he was last examined by VA.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional VA treatment records being added to the claims file. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for her service-connected esophageal stricture from May 3, 2013 is now pending and will be reconsidered.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding whether GERD is secondary to service-connected PTSD or bulimia, and another dental examination to determine if any dental condition is related to GERD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not file a timely notice of disagreement with the December 2011 rating decision denying service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The case is being remanded to obtain additional development regarding the Veteran's right knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to deficiencies in previous examinations and lack of legible copies of his service records. The Veteran will be afforded VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral neuropathy, acquired psychiatric disorder (likely PTSD), erectile dysfunction, acid reflux/GERD, and sleep disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for increased PTSD rating and service connection for GERD and chronic bronchitis is remanded due to the need for further evaluation of his symptoms and evidence.

The Veteran's GERD with diarrhea (to include hiatal hernia) is granted a 30% rating. The Board also found that the Veteran’s respiratory illness should be remanded for further examination and analysis.