GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for cervical and lumbar spine degeneration with myospasm, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and left knee disorder. The case is remanded for additional development regarding the left knee disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU and do not warrant extraschedular referral.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is granted as service connected. The claims for GERD and hypertension are not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and erectile dysfunction are all found to be related to his service-connected PTSD.,An effective date of March 16, 2017 is granted for the assignment of a 70 percent disability rating for posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU due to insufficient evidence of current disability severity, including a lack of recent VA examinations. The RO is instructed to obtain relevant medical records and schedule the Veteran for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS with GERD and diverticulosis are shown to have been productive of complaints that include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, but not material weight loss, hematemesis, melena, moderate anemia, or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of the Veteran’s health. The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for these conditions are not met.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The issues of OSA, GERD, high cholesterol, and a bilateral foot disability are all being returned to VA for further review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and an increased rating for his skin disability. The claim for GERD was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence, while the skin disability claim had insufficient evidence meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's low back disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and left wrist disability are granted as service connected.,The Veteran's right wrist disability is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's traumatic brain injury (TBI) is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service connected.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and GERD was denied.

The Board's March 1, 2019 decision denying increased ratings for GERD is vacated. The case is REMANDED to the RO/AOJ to correct due process deficiencies and readjudicate the claim.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), finding that these conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic sinusitis.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating of 50 percent or higher for PTSD has been granted, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran is currently rated at 30 percent for his service-connected PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for GERD due to inadequate opinions and need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claims for foot pain, gastrointestinal disability including IBS and GERD, migraine headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, and ringing in the ears have been denied. The claim for reopening of a gynecological disorder (fibromyalgia, joint and muscle pain, chronic fatigue syndrome) is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to perform the basic functions of self-care and are as helpless due to his service-connected conditions, necessitating regular aid and attendance.

The Board has dismissed the service connection claims for gastrointestinal disability and COPD due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hepatitis C, hemorrhoids, hearing loss, flat feet, asthma, sleep apnea, and acid reflux due to outstanding VA treatment records being needed.

The Board has dismissed the issues of service connection for low back disorder, lower extremity neurological impairment secondary to a low back disorder, arthritis of multiple joints, bilateral lower extremity arthralgia, and bilateral foot impairment. The issues of service connection for intestinal blockage and gastroesophageal reflux disease have been remanded.