GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for lumbar strain prior to October 8, 2015 and from October 8, 2015 for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The initial staged ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis and GERD were also denied.

The claims for service connection for acne vulgaris, type II diabetes mellitus, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibroid tumors, memory loss, and hair loss are denied.,The claims for service connection for IBS, fibroid tumors, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at a 10 percent rating. The Board has granted an initial 30 percent rating since the grant of service connection, based on persistent symptoms including heartburn, nausea, and substernal pain.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and skin rash have been denied. The Board finds that a new VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of his low back disability and functional gastrointestinal disorder.,Service connection for a low back disability and functional gastrointestinal disorder (GERD) cannot be established as there are no objective indications of qualifying chronic disabilities.

The claim for hypertension is reopened and granted. The claims for respiratory disorder, ulcer, GERD, foot condition, and skin condition are remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals of service connection for asbestosis and gastritis, and has remanded the remaining issues.

The Board has determined that additional evidence received since the August 2015 statement of the case warrants a remand for further action on the issues of service connection for various disabilities.

The Board has found service connection for short-term memory loss, but the claims for exercise-induced asthma, gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as diarrhea and stomach problems), and gastroesophageal reflux disease are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD, sleep apnea, hypertension, acid reflux, and erectile dysfunction due to in-service stressors and current medical evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, and GERD as due to herbicide agent exposure. The Board found that there was no evidence of a nexus between the claimed conditions and service.

The Veteran's psychiatric disability is not service-connected.,Her left and right knee disabilities are not service-connected.,Her back and neck disabilities are not service-connected.,Her respiratory, cardiovascular, GERD, benign neoplasm/lipoma removal, and migraines are not service-connected.

The Board denied claims for service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disability, cellulitis and deep vein thrombosis, major depressive disorder, prostate cancer, fibromyalgia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The claim of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was dismissed.

The Board has found that further development is necessary before the Veteran’s claims for sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be properly adjudicated. The Veteran's STRs show a diagnosis of GERD during service, but no specific mention of sleep apnea. New examinations and opinions are needed to determine if these conditions were incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's peptic ulcer disease with GERD has been rated at 40 percent since the initial grant of service connection, reflecting symptoms that are less than severe but with some degree of impairment of health manifested by anemia.

The Veteran's cause of death, metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, is not related to his service or any in-service injury or disease. The Board found no nexus between the Veteran’s stomach cancer and active duty.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD was dismissed as the Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal.,The Veteran's PTSD has been granted with a rating of 70 percent, but not greater.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating for GERD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to clarify his symptoms and severity of the condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for hypertension, gastrointestinal disability/acid reflux, and opioid-induced constipation are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to insufficient evidence and need further evaluation.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is rated noncompensable, his GERD is rated at 30 percent, and his adjustment disorder with depressed mood is rated more than 50 percent from November 7, 2007 to December 12, 2017. The claim for an increased rating higher than 10 percent for tinnitus must be denied.