GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's claims for service connection, as well as his increased evaluation claim for IBS-GERD. The issues include bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, neck disorder, spine disorder, and diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings for PTSD, allergic rhinitis, and herpes zoster was withdrawn. Service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination due to allegations of worsening symptoms since the last VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, a skin disorder, androgenic alopecia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and respiratory disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service or any known clinical diagnosis.

The Veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities was denied as the claim is not warranted under VA regulations.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is remanded for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition.,The Veteran's claims for GERD and IBS are remanded due to insufficient evidence on whether these conditions are related to Gulf War service. A VA examination is needed to determine if they qualify as presumptive disabilities under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded because the issues of his PTSD, back condition, and right leg condition need to be addressed first.

The Board has remanded the claims for accrued benefits and non-service connected death pension due to issues being inextricably intertwined with other pending claims.

The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for skin cancer due to radiation exposure and herbicide agents as the Veteran withdrew his request. The other issues are remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims due to incomplete development and lack of a supplemental statement of the case (SSOC). The SSOC is needed for all denied claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete opinions from VA specialists regarding whether the Veteran's kidney stones, hypertension, GERD and hiatal hernia, sinusitis, costochondritis, and DDD are related to VA treatment. The AOJ needs to obtain additional information and addenda from the provided specialists.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is related to his service-connected sinusitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder.,The Veteran’s current symptoms do not meet the criteria for service connection as her conditions are not currently diagnosed.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD, GERD, and tension headaches.

The Veteran's tinnitus, bladder dysfunction, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were denied service connection as there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.,Service connection could not be established for the Veteran’s GERD because there is no competent medical evidence suggesting it is related to an event, injury, or disease during his military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and a gastrointestinal disability due to outstanding evidence and further development being necessary.

The Veteran's GERD and Barrett's Disease are being remanded for further evaluation due to the lack of a VA examination addressing the etiology of his gastrointestinal condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, sleep apnea, GERD, and a skin disability of the feet due to inadequate opinions in previous VA examinations. The Veteran is requested to provide additional evidence regarding her symptoms during service.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral tinnitus and a TDIU prior to January 16, 2013 is denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The Board has ordered the remand of several issues including neurological disorders, psychiatric disorder, and headaches.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD is rated at a 30 percent disability rating for the entire appeal period, which includes symptoms such as epigastric distress, dysphagia, pyrosis, regurgitation, reflux, sleep disturbances, nausea, vomiting, and substernal or shoulder pain.