GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, hypertension, gastroesophageal disease (GERD), and sinusitis. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the issue of presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for esophageal cancer and stomach disorder (GERD) due to insufficient discussion of whether there is a low threshold of evidence meeting the requirement for VA examination. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred during a non-VA hospitalization for hypertension, chest pain, and GERD are now covered by VA.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of exceptional patterns of hearing loss. The claim for a higher rating for ulcerative colitis, duodenal ulcer, and GERD remains pending due to the need for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's claimed stressors and to obtain any relevant medical records. Service connection is not granted for sinus condition, back strain/spasm, flat feet, hemorrhoids, or acid reflux.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for cause of death, finding that there was no evidence linking the Veteran's death to his active military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her stomach disability was denied, and the issue of entitlement to TDIU is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses at Baylor Medical Center at McKinney on July 12, 2013 was denied because the services were not rendered in a 'medical emergency' and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's GERD and hiatal hernia, requiring further development.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including headaches, menstrual issues and blackouts, pulmonary embolism, GERD, right foot pes planus, and asthma. The RO is instructed to obtain additional medical records and schedule VA examinations for her asthma and right foot condition.

The Veteran's service-connected anterior trunk scar has been granted a compensable rating. The cases of residuals from left pinky toe surgery, right big toe disability, hypertrophic gastritis, and calluses of the feet are remanded for further evaluation. Service connection for right orchiectomy is also remanded.

The Veteran's back disability is granted service connection, but the Veteran does not have gout of the right hand.,Sleep apnea and gout in both legs are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the appellant's service-connected GERD and sclerosing cholangitis, finding that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS, including as due to service-connected GERD, finding that there was no current diagnosis of IBS and any symptoms were related to the service-connected GERD or medication.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and her military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux is being remanded due to the need for an examination and additional development of records.

The Veteran's appeals for common peroneal and tibial nerve neuroma resection with grafting of the left lower extremity, residual of left closed mid-fibula shaft fracture, chronic fatigue syndrome, acid reflux, and migraine headaches have been dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including stomach problems, distal esophagitis, hiatal hernia and GERD, is related to his exposure to contaminated groundwater at Camp Lejeune. The VA will obtain an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is granted a 20 percent rating, effective from the date of his claim. The other issues remain denied.