GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the addition of new evidence and for consideration of his claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, finding that there was not enough evidence to support a link between his service-connected PTSD and his GERD.

The Veteran's positive tuberculin reaction, venereal warts, and other conditions were not service-connected as they did not manifest during or after his military service.,Otitis media of the left ear was preexisting and not aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims file is incomplete and requires further development to ensure all relevant service records are obtained. The issues of service connection for hemorrhoids and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C, sleep apnea, a toenail fungus, GERD with constipation, PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve), peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve), peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (anterior crural nerve), and peripheral neuropathy of the right upper and left upper extremities. The Veteran's claims for service connection were not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for sinusitis, GERD, and a higher rating than 30 percent for sarcoidosis with pulmonary/sinonasal involvement are being remanded due to the need for additional evaluations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for cervical spine disorder and GERD was granted. The Veteran received a 10 percent increase in the rating for cervical spine disorder prior to July 24, 2017, and a 20 percent increase thereafter. The Veteran’s GERD was also rated at 20 percent.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach condition, including GERD and Crohn’s disease. However, the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board previously denied service connection for sleep apnea, but the Court ordered a remand due to an inadequate January 2017 VA examination. The new examination must address whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is aggravated by his service-connected GERD and/or esophageal cancer.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection, secondary service connection, and rating issues are not fully developed or complete. The Veteran is being requested to undergo further examinations and provide additional information regarding his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's cause of death is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of his congestive heart failure and whether it was caused by military service.

The Veteran's GERD is now rated at 60 percent, effective as of the date of this decision. The TDIU claim is considered moot due to her successful appeal for a higher rating for GERD.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be service-connected due to in-service noise exposure. The initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis remains denied as the evidence does not show nasal polyps or greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides.,Service connection for ulcer, inflammatory bowel disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux/acid reflux/heartburn is remanded due to insufficient evidence. Further examination may be needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux symptoms and acquired psychiatric disorder (including other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder) are granted service connection as due to a qualifying chronic disability. The grant of presumptive service connection for the gastrointestinal condition renders moot any theories of service connection.

The Veteran's appeals for arthritis of all other joints, allergies to sulfa and medications, respiratory disorder (claimed as asthma and bronchitis), skin disorder, hemorrhoids, heart disorder, prostate disorder, and disability claimed as muscle aches, pains and spasms have been dismissed. The Veteran has service connection granted for depressive disorder and IBS/GERD.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's stomach disorder and for a VA examination of his right shoulder disability. The issues include service connection for a stomach disorder.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected PTSD prior to November 10, 2008. The issues of service connection for hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to the need to obtain records from his Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits application.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's migraines are not related to his military service and thus, service connection is denied. The GERD with hiatal hernia, painful joints (claimed as knees and ankles), depression, and PTSD issues have been remanded for further development.