GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, GERD, and neurological problems due to exposure to environmental hazards in Southwest Asia. The Veteran will need VA examinations to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD from January 12, 2009 until October 28, 2015. The issues of service connection for sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to PTSD have been denied.

The Board has restored a 40% disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar DDD and granted entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's peptic ulcer disease with gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease is rated at a 30 percent since June 12, 2009.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cardiomyopathy, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, colonic diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, rectum condition, and stomach condition are all denied as they are not related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,The Veteran's service connection claims for sinus condition secondary to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune are remanded.

Service connection is granted for right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss (preexisting).,Service connection is also granted for sinus disorder and GERD. Sleep apnea secondary to service-connected PTSD is also granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to evaluate the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability, as well as his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/hiatal hernia, left ear hearing loss, and right thumb fracture with residuals. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to determine the current severity of these disabilities and to assess whether they are related to active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions and a need for further examination. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD, is being reviewed again as there are concerns about the reliability of previous medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acid reflux, gallbladder disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, left hip disability, right hip disability, mental health disorder, nerve disorder, and sleep disorder are all denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.,For bilateral hearing loss, the Veteran was found not to have hearing loss in either ear meeting VA criteria for a disability.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss claim is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's GERD rating remains at 10 percent, and the issue of an increased rating is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, arthritis of the hands, and hyperparathyroidism were denied. A higher initial rating for GERD was also denied.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss disability is rated as Level I, resulting in a non-compensable rating.,The Veteran's GERD has been rated as noncompensable due to the absence of symptoms such as dysphagia, pyrosis, or regurgitation that would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as there is no evidence of penile deformity.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from March 9, 2017. The appeal for higher ratings on other conditions and earlier effective dates are pending.

The Veteran's claims for GERD, cervical spine disability, and anorexia nervosa are remanded as the Board is unable to make a determination without additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of the right eyelid surgeries was denied, and her initial rating for GERD with helicobacter pylori (previously rated at 10%) was granted to 40% effective February 21, 2013.,A higher rating is not warranted prior to October 20, 2014.

The Veteran's back disability is granted service connection. Service connection for left and right hammertoe disorders are denied, as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions. Service connection for gastroesophageal disorder (gastritis) is granted.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for acid reflux, sinus disability, and hypertension secondary to service-connected knee and ankle disabilities. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease (claimed as sliding hiatal hernia/gastrointestinal problems) is being remanded due to new evidence and a change in representative.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of torn muscles, left and right biceps, heart disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), left shoulder impingement syndrome, and headaches as a residual of a concussion have been dismissed. The remaining issues of service connection for cervical spine condition, right knee condition, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and psychiatric disorder are being remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left ankle disability, abnormalities of gait secondary to left ankle sprain, and epigastric tenderness (to include gastric ulcers and GERD) due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.