GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The appeal is denied for the claims of service connection for hepatitis C, left shoulder disorder, acid reflux, erectile dysfunction, sleep disorder, and headaches. The claim for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and anxiety reaction) has been reopened.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities, hypertension, GERD, and diabetes mellitus have been granted service connection. The Veteran's arthritis is remanded for further review. TDIU has also been raised.

The Veteran's right shoulder, right hand, and low back disorders are granted service connection as they are related to his military service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted due to in-service noise exposure.

An initial 60 percent evaluation for GERD is granted.,An initial 30 percent evaluation, but no higher, for Barrett’s esophagitis for the period of September 26, 2012 through October 25, 2016, is granted. An evaluation in excess of 50 percent for Barrett’s esophagitis for the period beginning October 26, 2016, is denied.,Entitlement to a total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of a tracheostomy and acid reflux disease, as these conditions are claimed to be related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claims must be remanded due to the Veteran failing to appear for VA examinations scheduled in conjunction with his original compensation claim.

The Board has found that a VA examination is needed for the disabilities to properly adjudicate the issues on appeal, including service connection for various conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of TDIU as moot because the appellant's sole service-connected disability (GERD) is no longer a basis for TDIU due to the award of PTSD, which was granted effective March 3, 2014.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 10% from February 1, 2013 to May 16, 2016 and his migraines have been rated at 30%. The right knee condition remains remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for his right knee meniscal tear, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and degenerative arthritis. This issue has been remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's history of renal stone of the left ureter is not compensable as it does not affect his body or exposed areas, nor does he require topical therapy.,Service connection for ischemic cardiomyopathy (cardiac disorder) due to exposure to herbicide agents is remanded.,Service connection for diabetes mellitus type II due to exposure to herbicide agents is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains pending and is being remanded.,The Veteran's left foot disorder, right foot disorder, hypertension, chronic acid reflux, memory loss, chronic headache disorder, and sleep disorder are all being remanded.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder due to exposure to herbicide agents is remanded.

The Board found no current diagnoses of arthritis, hypertension, a bilateral eye disability, GERD, ED, cold weather injuries, peripheral neuropathy, or a right ear hearing loss disability. The Veteran's statements regarding these conditions were not supported by medical evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for bowel problems, including GERD and food sensitivity, was denied. The Board found no medical evidence linking the current bowel problems to his active duty service. For the left knee disability, a rating in excess of 10 percent was denied, but a separate compensable rating for lateral instability was granted.

The Veteran's hypertension and acid reflux are not service-connected.,A rating of 70 percent for PTSD is granted from October 15, 2013 to February 28, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for GERD, hernia, pancreatitis, and diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's representative indicated that a search in Panama would be futile, but the Board found that actual exposure cannot be conceded without further development.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of a cold weather injury due to the lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's claim.,The Board has remanded multiple issues including service connection for various disabilities and an increased rating for cephalgia.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is granted as related to service. The Board also found that the Veteran has other conditions like sinusitis, pituitary gland condition, joint pain, elbow and knee conditions, and GERD which are presumed to be due to his service in Saudi Arabia.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current digestive tract disorders and his in-service duodenal ulcer and duodenitis.

The Veteran's cause of death, glioblastoma multiforme, was not related to service-connected conditions or exposure to ionizing radiation. The Board denied entitlement to service connection for cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for asbestosis, but the other conditions are remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease, coronary heart disease, and right-hand neuropathy.