GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to additional relevant evidence being associated with the claims file since the January 2020 SOC.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for IBS and GERD, a separate rating for IBS, and entitlement to TDIU due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for gastrointestinal disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will need VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his gastrointestinal problems, as well as a reassessment of his PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are granted a disability rating of 30 percent, which is the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 8100. The right ankle sprain and gastrointestinal disability (Barret’s Esophagus, stomach indigestion, and GERD) have been granted service connection. Service connection for sleep apnea has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's GERD is caused or aggravated by his PTSD, including medications taken for such disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to Agent Orange exposure. The VA examinations were not conducted as scheduled, and there is no evidence that the Veteran was properly notified of these appointments.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and inadequate examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for OSA, GERD, a headache disorder, a skin disorder, and a respiratory disorder due to lack of adequate opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran's reports of continuity of symptoms since service are considered.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to inadequate medical evidence and outstanding VA treatment records. The Board requires new examinations to assess the impact of his service-connected conditions on his ability to work.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD is rated at 10 percent from July 1, 2011.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent from July 1, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations. The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his lumbosacral strain, left knee chondromalacia, and right knee disorder, are being evaluated further.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if the Veteran was entitled to special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance prior to his death. The examiner is requested to consider the specific impairing attributes associated with each of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD is found to be related to his active service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's left index finger scars and to determine the etiology of his bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, GERD, and obstructive sleep apnea. The claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension, erectile dysfunction, acquired psychiatric condition, coronary artery disease (CAD), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded for additional medical opinions to determine if they are related to his service-connected varicose veins of the bilateral lower extremity.,Specifically, the VA will seek expert medical opinions on whether these conditions are secondary to or caused by the Veteran's service-connected varicose veins.

The Board has denied service connection for GERD and remanded the issue of service connection for gastrointestinal disability other than GERD, to include gastritis.

The Veteran's GERD and hiatal hernia symptoms have been consistently productive of severe impairment to health throughout the period on appeal, warranting a maximum 60 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7399-7346.

The Veteran's application for service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and residuals of a shrapnel wound to the right leg has been granted. The effective date is set at May 9, 2016.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including Barrett's esophagus and GERD, was not found to be related to service or exposure to herbicide agents or contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Board denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records and conduct further examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any gastrointestinal condition, including whether it is related to service-connected disabilities or obesity.