GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent, and his TDIU claim is granted.,The Veteran's herniated lumbar disc/intervertebral disc syndrome is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as new and material evidence was not received to reopen the previously denied claims. The Board found that there was no indication of arthritis or a nexus between the claimed conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss is related to his in-service noise exposure. The other issues regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and hemorrhoids have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on four service-connected conditions have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for detached retina, including scars and associated injury.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for GERD is remanded due to incomplete examination and need for updated VA treatment records.

The claim for a heart condition has not been reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.,The claims for right and left ankle disabilities have been reopened based on the submission of new evidence, but service connection is denied as there is no direct or secondary evidence linking these conditions to service.,Diabetes mellitus was not incurred in service and is not related to any other condition. Service connection is denied.,Bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities has not been shown to be related to service, nor is it linked to a pre-existing condition. Service connection is denied.,Diabetic retinopathy was not documented during service or within one year after separation and is not considered secondary to any other condition. Service connection is denied.,A kidney condition was not diagnosed in service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking it to service. Service connection is denied.,Vertigo has not been shown to be related to service. Service connection is denied.,Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was not documented during service and is not considered secondary to any other condition. Service connection is denied.,Gout was not diagnosed in service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking it to service. Service connection is denied.,A lung disability manifested by spots in the lung has not been shown to be related to service. Service connection is denied.,Neurological condition manifested by tremors has not been shown to be related to service. Service connection is denied.,Sleep apnea was not shown to be related to service or any other condition. Service connection is denied.,Left shoulder disability was not diagnosed in service and is not considered secondary to any other condition. Service connection is denied.,Hypertension did not have its onset during service, nor is it linked to a pre-existing condition. Service connection is denied.,Erectile dysfunction was not shown to be related to service or any other condition. Service connection is denied.,Left hip disability and right ear condition (manifested by swelling and drainage) were not diagnosed in service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking them to service. Service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD is related to his active duty service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's hypogonadism was granted service connection, while the issues of left ear disorder, genitourinary disorder, digestive and/or gastrointestinal disorder, and bilateral median nerve neuropathy were remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disability and sleep apnea.,New evidence submitted since the June 2016 decision did not meet the criteria to reopen the claim of service connection for a stomach disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was denied because the condition preexisted service and was not aggravated by service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches was denied as there is no evidence of a chronic headache disability during active service, and the current disorder is less likely related to service or his service-connected major depressive disorder.

A 30 percent rating for GERD prior to August 27, 2018 is granted.,An initial 10 percent rating for the residuals of a fracture of the second finger of the left hand prior to August 27, 2018 is granted. An initial 10 percent rating for the residuals of a fracture of the third finger of the left hand prior to August 27, 2018 is granted.,A rating in excess of 60 percent for GERD from August 27, 2018 is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than December 29, 2004 for the award of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The case is remanded due to a lack of opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's condition when he does not take medication.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for gastrointestinal symptoms, finding that they are due to a known clinical diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease and less likely related to his service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and a disability manifesting as painful joints are being remanded due to incomplete development.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent effective April 5, 2013.,The Veteran was granted service connection for hypertension on this date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including shortness of breath, sleep apnea syndrome, headaches, right elbow disorder, right hip disorder, muscle pain, GERD, and pancreatitis. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's GERD disability was rated at 10 percent since February 1, 2017. The Board found that the reduction from 10 percent to noncompensable effective February 1, 2017, was incorrect and granted a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a stomach disorder (hiatal hernia and/or gastroesophageal reflux disease) have been denied. The Board has found insufficient evidence to establish service connection on any basis.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for GERD and service connection for sleep apnea were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating for GERD, as his symptoms did not warrant a 60% rating. For sleep apnea, the Board determined there was no causal relationship to service or any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 10 percent for residuals of maxilla and zygomatic arch fracture with right-side epistaxis is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for service connection for rhinitis, a deviated septum, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).