GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for IBS with GERD due to an error in considering the severity of his condition without medication. The case is sent back for additional medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's stomach disability and its relationship to service or service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's cervical spine, left shoulder, multiple scars, and lumbar spine disabilities have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each. The right hip disability, radiculopathy associated with the cervical and lumbar spine, and a right knee disability are being remanded for further development.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, left lower extremity radiculopathy, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), erectile dysfunction (ED), and residuals of a chemical burn and abrasion. Service connection for headaches was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s GERD status post-hernia repair is currently manifested by symptoms such as pain, nausea, and vomiting, which do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7346. His abdominal scar does not result in any disabling effects not considered under Diagnostic Codes 7800-05. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is sufficient to grant special monthly compensation (SMC) based upon the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's GERD and hiatal hernia are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted with a rating of 20 percent effective October 18, 2013. The issue of service connection for cervical neck strain has been reopened and granted.

The appeal of service connection claims for a jaw condition, acne, GERD, bowel condition, and shortness of breath is dismissed. The claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and kidney disease due to lack of VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for his scalp scar, left leg scar, and GERD have been denied. The current ratings are considered appropriate based on the severity of symptoms and medical evidence.

The Veteran's left knee disability, GERD, laryngeal dysphonia, and bilateral hearing loss were all denied service connection.,Service connection was not granted for any of the conditions listed.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a lumbosacral spine disorder and a fungal disorder of the right hand is dismissed. The effective date of December 23, 2013 for service connection for GERD associated with chronic sinusitis is granted. The appeals for rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic sinusitis and sinus headaches associated with chronic sinusitis and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 26, 2012 for the grant of service connection for GERD was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for GERD was also denied.

The Veteran's GERD is granted an increased rating to 30 percent, effective from the date of the Board's decision.

The claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, diabetes, low back pain, sinusitis, hypertension, GERD, painful lower extremities/myalgias, coronary artery disease (heart disease), flu virus, group C virus, adenovirus, skin disability, and right kidney disability have all been denied as not related to service or service-connected conditions.,The claim for a higher initial rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals, fractures, right toes has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis is granted service connection. The issues of service connection for GERD, left knee disability, and bilateral foot disabilities are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar muscle sprain and dismissed the issue of service connection for bronchial asthma. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if acid reflux was incurred in service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development and examination to address the issues of service connection for various conditions, including sleep disorder, damaged teeth/TMJ disorder, acid reflux disorder, right ear condition/right ear hearing loss, tinnitus, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, low back disorder, and left wrist disorder.