GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims of service connection for right elbow, left knee, and right knee disabilities, as well as respiratory conditions including asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis, have been granted. Service connection has also been established for GERD. However, the claim for a higher initial rating in excess of 0 percent for a right wrist disability is denied.

The Veteran's GERD with generalized abdominal pain and splenic flexure is being remanded for a more precise evaluation as the current examination does not provide sufficient information to rate his disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Major Depression, TBI, Posttraumatic Headaches, Right Patellar Tendonitis, Scalp Scar, Left Patellar Tendonitis, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding medical records and possible service treatment records, as well as VA medical opinions needed to adjudicate the claims. The Veteran's conditions have been remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for GERD. The claims for BHL, cholecystitis, chronic, DM, lumbar disability (secondary to left knee disability), heart disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, and right knee disability are all remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, finding that prior to June 20, 2014, there was no evidence showing he was unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left ankle disability, gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as gas, constipation, diarrhea), gastroesophageal reflux disease (claimed as acid reflux), back disability, and erectile dysfunction due to lack of evidence supporting a current diagnosis or etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastritis as secondary to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with esophagitis is being remanded due to the need for a new examination by the April 2016 examiner.

The Board has denied service connection for muscle and joint pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and headaches as secondary to prostate cancer. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to concerns about the effective dates of his service connection awards and the need for medical opinions regarding the onset and chronicity of his symptoms.

The Board has remanded multiple claims, including service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, acid reflux with hiatal hernia, acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as PTSD), and left shoulder disorder. The remand also includes obtaining VA medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disorder, including GERD and gastritis, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active duty service.

The Board granted service connection for low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, mesothelioma, an abnormal heart disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep apnea, hypertension, metabolic syndrome to include insulin resistant disorder and/or diabetes mellitus, migraine headaches, peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and depression secondary to medical condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcerative colitis due to potential issues with causation and etiology.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for GERD, as it is unclear whether his condition is related to service or secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The case will be reviewed with additional medical opinions and evidence.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, and tension headache disability are all found to be due to his service-connected migratory polyarthralgia.,Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spine DDD, GERD, facial dermatitis, and internal hemorrhoids were all remanded for further evaluation. The appeal in the matter of residuals of a right fourth toe fracture is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for clarification on the etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders. The claims are related to exposure during service, including contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, jet fuel exposure, asbestos exposure, mercury exposure, and drug treatment.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted due to the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities, which render him unemployable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to potential exposure to herbicide agents during service in Vietnam. The VA will need to verify if the Veteran was present within the 12-nautical mile territorial sea of the Republic of Vietnam.