GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with degenerative joint disease is rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that this rating does not adequately represent the severity of his condition.,The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and gallbladder removal are currently rated at 10 percent. The Board determined that these ratings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.,The Veteran's cluster headaches have been rated as noncompensable, with no evidence of characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over several months.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder (IBS) and an esophageal disorder. The gastrointestinal disorder claim is granted on a presumptive basis under VA regulations, while the esophageal disorder claim remains remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability and gastroparesis with GERD are currently rated, but the Board has found that additional development is needed to determine if higher ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and a rating in excess of 30 percent for GERD, with IBS as of January 27 2012 are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is reopened and granted. The claim for aching knee and shoulder joints, as due to undiagnosed illness, is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome, sinusitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as the claim for an initial compensable rating for tension headaches due to lack of proper consideration in prior decisions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for sleep apnea has been withdrawn. Service connection for GERD and migraine/tension headaches, both secondary to PTSD with major depressive disorder, is granted.,Service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease, status post anterior fusion, radiculopathy right upper extremity, and right hand tremors, all claimed as secondary to PTSD with major depressive disorder, is remanded.

The Veteran's GERD was denied a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to February 28, 2018 and since then the maximum rating of 30 percent is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for his left knee condition was withdrawn. Service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted, but the issue of a compensable rating for GERD remains pending and requires further examination.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for GERD was withdrawn by the Veteran at his July 2019 hearing. The Board dismissed the remaining claims of service connection for low back and neck disabilities, bilateral leg and hand disabilities (numbness), and a psychiatric disorder.,Service connection was denied for all issues due to lack of evidence linking any diagnosed conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), including headaches, right ankle disability, left ankle disability, right hip disability, and left hip disability are granted. The initial rating for the acquired psychiatric disorder is also granted at 70 percent.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of August 11, 2011 for a rating of 10 percent for GERD (previously rated as acid reflux). The Veteran's continuous symptoms of pyrosis and dysphagia were established.

The Board denied service connection for all of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including Hepatitis C, angina, bone cancer, an acquired psychiatric disorder (likely depression or anxiety), erectile dysfunction, GERD, herpes, hypertension, jaw disability, left arm disability, left knee disability, left leg disability, left shoulder disability, lung cancer, prostate cancer, sinusitis, and sore throat. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left eye refractive error, incipient pterygium, left eye disorder (including blepharitis, dry eye, and incipient nuclear sclerosis), and stomach condition (small sized hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux) are related to his active service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's request to reopen his service connection claims for migraine headaches, stroke residuals, back disorder, left knee disorder, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and heart disorder. The appeals are now remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal of the neck disorder issue has been remanded for further examination and opinion. The appeal regarding a higher rating for doudenal ulcer with gastritis, GERD, and left inguinal ligament strain is dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and hypothyroidism, as well as his initial disability ratings for IHD and an anxiety disorder. The appeals are also remanded to determine if he is capable of substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, allergic rhinitis, and several other conditions are granted service connection. Service connection is also remanded for low back, cervical spine, right knee, gastrointestinal, and hypertension disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disability and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at a 10% level since June 19, 2015. The Board granted an initial 30% rating for the condition, effective from the date of the decision.