GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's appeals to reopen claims for various conditions are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia, Barrett’s esophagus, gastric ulcer, and gastritis is granted an initial 30 percent rating.,Service connection for migraines is granted. The Board finds the evidence at least evenly balanced as to whether the Veteran's migraines had their onset in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including Barrett's Syndrome, esophageal ulcers, gastritis, colitis and GERD, are related to his active duty service at Camp Lejeune. However, due to insufficient medical opinions in the record, the case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disorder, GERD, hiatal hernia, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The cases are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle condition, GERD, and an increased rating for his right shoulder disability. The evidence did not support the Veteran's assertions of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including those for plantar warts of both feet, shoulder disorders, elbow disorders, knee disorders, sleep apnea, and GERD. The remand requires additional development and medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability, anxiety disorder with insomnia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a right knee disability based on new and material evidence. However, further development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current right knee condition is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases of IBS and GERD, PTSD increased rating, and sleep apnea for additional development.

The Board has determined that new examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected left knee condition and gastroesophageal reflux disease due to potential increased severity since the last VA examination in August 2014.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted, and the remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's acid reflux and erectile dysfunction are not service-connected.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is not service-connected, but may be due to herbicide agent exposure in Vietnam.,The Veteran's bunions and hammer toes on his right foot are not service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus was denied as new and material evidence was not received. The Veteran's PTSD rating was increased to 50% effective September 18, 2017, but the appeal is denied for a higher rating prior to that date.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of a gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD, due to its secondary nature to service-connected PTSD and medication use. The Veteran's symptoms are related to his service-connected condition but it is unclear if his medications contributed to his condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD and hiatal hernia, as it did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, nor was it caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's GERD, including whether it is related to service or his service-connected disabilities.

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

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain or maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is granted with application of equitable tolling. The rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is increased to 40 percent, effective from November 19, 2008. The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities are denied. A TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 30 percent since August 16, 2010. The rating is granted for the period prior to September 21, 2016 and denied from September 21, 2016 onward.