GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Board has granted an effective date of April 9, 2010 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate. The Veteran's service-connected PTSD/psychological disorder, along with other service-connected disabilities, rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since April 9, 2010.

The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection and assigned a 20% rating for type II diabetes mellitus, effective from the date of the decision. The other conditions have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic dyspepsia (GERD) and a skin condition due to potential service connection issues. The Veteran needs additional medical opinions regarding his GERD and skin conditions, including exposure to burn pits during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and TDIU were denied due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations, and the absence of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of sleep apnea and initial increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, osteoarthritis of the right ankle, and GERD have been dismissed as his appeal was withdrawn by a valid written request.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including ankle, elbow, foot, hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, neck, back, GERD, hypertension, and eye conditions. The evidence did not show any in-service injury or incident that could be linked to these conditions.,There is no current evidence of a diagnosed disability related to the claimed ankle, elbow, foot, hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, neck, back, GERD, hypertension, or eye disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD and PTSD were granted initial disability ratings, but the headaches were denied. The Board found that remand was necessary for additional development regarding service connection for a right eye disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a left knee disability and gastrointestinal disability due to secondary service connection. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis, but further examination and opinion are needed to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's appeal for eligibility for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD is found to be at least as likely as not related to service, and the Board granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding active military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a cervical spine disability, GERD, erectile dysfunction, headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disability due to additional development being needed. The Veteran's representative argues that these disabilities are related to his now service-connected sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has continuously had symptoms of tinnitus since service and resolves all reasonable doubt in his favor.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination regarding the relationship between the Veteran's GERD and his service-connected conditions, including PTSD, prostate cancer, and Hodgkin's lymphoma. The Veteran will need a new examination to address these issues.

The Board has decided to remand several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including GERD, sleep apnea, tinnitus, and right knee strain. The Veteran will need additional VA examinations for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder is denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of hearing loss disability within one year post-service.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right ankle sprain is denied as the Veteran's symptoms do not meet criteria for such an increase.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for asthma is denied due to lack of findings meeting specific pulmonary function criteria.,Pension purposes are granted with a permanent and total disability rating based on multiple medical conditions rendering the Veteran unemployable.,Service connection claims for pharyngitis, gastroenteritis/gastritis, migraines, residuals of facial injury, GERD, bronchitis, tendonitis, right foot disability, residuals of infections, shin splints, mononucleosis, neurological disorder, conjunctivitis, primary anemia, and acquired psychiatric disability are all remanded for further review.,The Veteran's service connection claims for these conditions will be reviewed again based on new evidence or clarification.

The claims of service connection for right and left shoulder disorders, COPD, GERD, and jaw disorder have been reopened and granted.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder is granted service connection. Service connection for PTSD and bilateral hearing loss are denied, but GERD remains at a non-compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and relevant evidence was not received to support the claims. The Veteran is also denied a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings for various conditions.

The Veteran's IBS is rated at a maximum of 30 percent prior to August 5, 2018. A rating in excess of 30 percent for her IBS and functional dyspepsia with history of GERD is denied.