GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically for bilateral hearing loss and thyroid condition. The remaining issues are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lung cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), colon polyp, and congestive heart failure as these conditions were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disability and other service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since December 4, 2008. His TDIU claim is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD as secondary to medication used to treat the Veteran's service connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, bilateral shoulder strain, right metatarsalgia, and left foot plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for GERD and Barrett’s syndrome, as well as esophageal cancer (secondary to these conditions), due to additional evidence being associated with the records since the September 2015 statement of the case without a waiver. The Veteran's service treatment records are negative for complaints or diagnoses referable to these disorders, but his private physicians have provided opinions linking GERD and Barrett’s syndrome to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and treatment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the appeal was remanded. The claim to reopen the neck disorder claim has not been successful due to lack of new and material evidence. Effective dates for tinnitus and GERD have also been denied as they predate the date of receipt of the claims.

The Veteran's GERD has been granted a 30 percent disability rating, effective February 12, 2015. The condition causes recurrent epigastric distress with symptoms including nausea, reflux, regurgitation and pain of the substernal shoulder, resulting in considerable impairment of health.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to an increased evaluation for a lumbar spine disability, service connection for GERD as secondary to a lumbar spine disability, and TDIU due to unresolved issues related to the Veteran's medications and onset of his GERD symptoms.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to make a fully informed decision on the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypersomnia, and poor circulation of the bilateral hands and feet. The remand includes requests for addendum opinions from VA examiners.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including hemorrhoids, gout, and GERD. The Board has remanded several of these issues due to the need for further development or clarification.,Service connection is denied for high cholesterol as it is not a disability for which VA compensation can be granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for cardiovascular disorder and GERD due to undiagnosed illness during Southwest Asia service, requiring additional medical opinions on the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted TDIU benefits. The left mandibular nerve damage case remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for GERD and AFib due to outstanding private medical records and the need for VA examinations.

The Veteran's GERD is not related to service and was not diagnosed until after service.,The Veteran's lower back disability did not have its onset in service or since, and is not linked to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The condition may be exacerbated by the Veteran's nightmares related to his PTSD.,The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of left ear hearing loss for VA purposes.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for GERD secondary to PTSD, service connection for sleep apnea secondary to GERD, and the earlier effective date for erectile dysfunction on the basis of CUE. The claims are remanded due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of GERD and its relationship to PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is partially granted with the exception of his request for a disability rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD. The remaining issues, including service connection claims and TDIU claim, are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have worsened, and she is being asked to provide updated evidence or be examined by VA.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at a 10 percent disability rating, and the Board finds that an evaluation in excess of 10 percent is not warranted. The Veteran's sleep apnea claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for hiatal hernia / GERD was denied. His right knee chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis received a 100% disability rating effective November 7, 2018. The claims for left knee, left hip, and right hip disabilities were remanded due to lack of evidence or insufficient evidence. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis was also remanded.