GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's GERD is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, which is the maximum available under current regulations.,Service connection for bronchitis has been reopened and granted based on new evidence.

The Veteran's muscle pain and sleep problems are not service-connected.,His skin rash is not service-connected, but his midline growth on the forehead is.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating for various conditions have been denied. The issues of service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development regarding alleged exposure to herbicide agents or other chemicals during his time in Okinawa.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since December 18, 2014. The initial compensable disability ratings for his scar and TBI are granted. His right shoulder and left shoulder degenerative changes are each rated as non-compensable. His right ankle sprain and left ankle sprain are both remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his left knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder, and stomach disorder. The VA is directed to obtain additional treatment records and provide the Veteran with appropriate examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for other specified trauma and stressor-related disorder is denied as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for gastrointestinal disability (IBS with diverticulitis, gastritis, and GERD) is denied as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include hypertension, stomach disorder (ulcers, stomach problems, GERD), right knee disability, right ankle disability, right leg disability, right foot disability, back disorder (DDD of the lumbar spine), erectile dysfunction, and acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and depression).

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including TDIU and evaluations for various conditions. The Board has determined that these issues are inextricably intertwined with the issue of TDIU and has therefore remanded all matters.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been granted initial ratings of 30 percent, effective February 15, 2015.,However, the Veteran's service connection for PTSD remains pending as it was not addressed in previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the claims for heart disability, GERD, and sleep apnea due to inadequate examinations and a need for further medical evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 60 percent rating for gastritis and duodenitis, with history of PUD and GERD is denied. The appropriate effective date is June 2, 2014.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left foot disorder, GERD, right lower extremity nerve disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and an acquired psychiatric disorder as there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), fatigue, and polyarthralgia. The issues are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia and gastrointestinal disabilities due to inconsistencies in her medical records and the need for additional treatment evaluations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including the service connection for various disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a neck disability, an acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety, adjustment disorder, depression, and PTSD), GERD, and sleep apnea due to inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's claim for an acquired psychiatric condition could significantly impact decisions on his secondary service connection claims for GERD and sleep apnea.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, hypertension, neck condition, low back condition, COPD, and GERD. The reasons given were that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) disability due to additional development being necessary, including obtaining VA medical treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his disabilities due to incomplete development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including hypertension and unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder. The decision grants service connection for this condition.