GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning for denying an effective date prior to November 24, 2009 for TDIU and DEA benefits. The AOJ is instructed to consider the effect of each service-connected disability on the Veteran's ability to maintain gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The low back disability remains at 40 percent. GERD and asthma are both denied ratings in excess of the current 10 percent. Sinusitis, left ankle scar, and left heel scar remain at their current 10 percent ratings. Folliculitis barbae is granted a rating prior to April 24, 2018, but not from that date forward. Service connection for right shoulder disability, left foot tendonitis, left flatfoot condition, and right flatfoot condition are all remanded.

The Veteran's ratings for GERD with gastritis and stricture of the esophagus due to Schatzki's ring are being remanded for additional development. The TDIU issue is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was reopened, and the Board granted it. The rating for GERD remains at 30 percent, but the reduction in rating for allergic rhinitis is denied.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the disability meets the criteria for such a rating. The appeal was denied for higher ratings.

The Board denied service connection for gastrointestinal disorders, including GERD and IBS, finding no medical evidence linking the current conditions to in-service symptoms.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examination and treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's diverticular disease is caused or aggravated by his service-connected chronic constipation with occasional diarrhea.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder, pituitary gland disability, gastrointestinal condition (GERD and hiatal hernia), and gynecomastia was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of these conditions other than unspecified sleep-wake disorder, which is currently service-connected.,For the gastrointestinal condition, the Veteran's claim for service connection was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability other than IBS.

The Veteran's appeal of service connection for hypertension, GERD, and left ear hearing loss has been dismissed. The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for major depression is denied. An effective date of August 24, 2018, for the award of a 70 percent rating for major depression is granted.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's GERD with diverticulitis has been granted a 10 percent rating, effective July 24, 2018. The service connection for persistent tinea pedis remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding whether the Veteran's GERD/Barrett’s esophagus is related to his military service, including as due to a service-connected duodenal ulcer.

The Veteran's asthma is rated at 30 percent, and his GERD is rated at 10 percent. Both conditions are denied for higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, generalized anxiety disorder, tinnitus, coronary artery disease with coronary artery bypass graft residuals, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a midline chest scar, make him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted the claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder (GERD and gastric-type mucosa with chronic gastritis) is granted as service connected. The Veteran's PTSD does not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% since April 20, 2012. The costochondritis is rated at 10% from April 20, 2012 through January 17, 2020 and denied for a higher rating. The hiatal hernia and GERD are not entitled to an initial compensable rating. The residuals of right 5th metacarpal fracture and left knee chondromalacia patella do not warrant a higher than 10% rating. The traumatic brain injury with cognitive impairment is rated at 70% since April 20, 2012.

The claim to reopen service connection for bipolar disorder is granted. The claims for service connection for ulcer, chronic bronchitis, COPD, sinusitis, OSA, and GERD are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's GERD is secondary to her service-connected disabilities, specifically asthma and sinusitis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disorder and migraine headaches are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.