GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and anxiety are related to his service-connected PTSD, but the GERD and Bell’s Palsy are not. The Board has ordered a remand for further examination and opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for GERD and Erectile Dysfunction, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his active duty service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his gastritis and hiatal hernia is remanded due to the need for updated VA medical records and a current VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened and granted for cataracts due to diabetes mellitus. The Board also found that the Veteran's headache disability is related to his active service, but remanded other issues including sinusitis, emphysema, COPD, gallbladder condition, Crohn’s disease, pancreatitis, acid reflux, stroke residuals, arthritis, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spine, diabetic retinopathy, tinnitus, hypertension, peripheral vascular/arterial disease (PVD/PAD) of both lower extremities, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for PTSD, hypertension, GERD, and erectile dysfunction. The effective date for DEA benefits is set at May 16, 2016.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, which is the maximum allowed under the criteria for this condition.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, acid reflux and stomach condition, and thyroid condition are denied.,Service connection cannot be granted as the claimed conditions do not meet the criteria for a disability for VA compensation purposes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to insufficient medical evidence to determine the etiology of his esophageal condition, ulcer disease, and hiatal hernia.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and remanded the issue of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The Veteran's peptic ulcer disease with GERD is granted service connection. The rating for his epididymal cyst, right scrotum with painful ejaculation remains at 10 percent and the erectile dysfunction associated with it is granted a 20 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's GERD with gastritis is not rated higher than 10 percent because it does not meet the criteria for a 30 percent rating, which requires symptoms such as persistent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation.

The Board has remanded the claims for diabetes mellitus II, diabetic neuropathy of both lower extremities, peripheral vascular disease of both lower extremities, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder due to potential herbicide exposure during service. The Veteran's service treatment records show complaints related to GERD in service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for ischemic heart disease and stomach condition (claimed as GERD and diverticulitis) due to Agent Orange exposure are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities from June 27, 2009, to September 7, 2013. The assigned schedular evaluations were found adequate and no referral for extraschedular consideration was required.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for pes planus and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for acid reflux with cough due to incomplete development.

An initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder is granted, and an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD is denied. Service connection for diverticulitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, allergic rhinitis, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and symptoms of acid reflux and IBS. These issues are remanded due to insufficient evidence in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is limited to the issue of service connection for headaches. The Board has remanded this issue due to outstanding private treatment records and a need for an addendum opinion regarding continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was incurred during his period of active service from June 2006 to October 2007.,The Veteran’s bilateral shoulder disabilities, right elbow disability, lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and right foot disability are all related to injuries sustained during his periods of active service.