GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's initial rating for hiatal hernia with GERD and residuals of a duodenal ulcer was denied. The Board remanded the claims for hypertension, cardiac disorder, left arm disorder, right arm disorder, low back disorder, left leg disorder, right leg disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete examination reports and outstanding medical records. The issues of service connection for lower back, right ankle, left foot, right foot, and right hip disabilities are being remanded as well as the issue of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Veteran's TBI is granted as service-connected, and a 10 percent rating for GERD prior to March 6, 2020 is also granted.,A 30 percent rating for GERD from March 6, 2020 is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to esophageal spasm and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for esophageal spasm is being referred back to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction, while the issue of service connection for GERD remains unresolved.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues have been remanded due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his disability.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are granted at a rating of 60 percent, effective from October 2008. The Board also found that her facial rash disorder is related to military service and granted service connection for it.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD, RLE superficial varicosities, and LLE superficial varicosities are each rated at 10 percent prior to specific dates. The Board has found that the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating for his hiatal hernia with GERD but not for his RLE or LLE superficial varicosities.,The Veteran's left shoulder DJD, right knee DJD, and left knee DJD are each remanded for further adjudication as there may be additional evidence or information that could affect the initial rating assigned.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for updated VA medical records, additional examinations, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

The Veteran's GERD symptoms are productive of severe impairment of health, warranting a 60 percent rating.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,PTSD and panic disorder with claustrophobia and acrophobia are remanded for further review due to the need for additional evidence and examination.,Chronic liver disease is remanded for a VA examination addressing both direct and secondary service connection possibilities.,GERD is remanded for a VA examination considering its potential relationship to major depressive disorder, obesity, or other service-connected conditions.,Obstructive sleep apnea is remanded for a VA examination assessing the nature and etiology of the condition, including consideration of its relation to major depressive disorder and obesity.

The Board denied service connection for gastroesophageal cancer, finding that the evidence did not support a direct causal relationship between the Veteran's in-service herbicide exposure and his current condition.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his cervical spine disability was denied, and the claim for service connection for acid reflux was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s cervical spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5242.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the previous remand directives regarding the claim for a gastrointestinal disability. The appeal is being remanded to obtain further development and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for Bell's palsy, GERD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and myositis due to additional development being required.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and GERD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities not precluding him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for small bowel obstruction was denied. The earlier effective date claim for allergic rhinitis is dismissed as untimely filed.,Issues related to GERD, right shoulder disability, PFB, and OSA are remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examinations and a need for further development, including obtaining additional medical records.

The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent before July 23, 2018 and in excess of 20 percent from July 23, 2018. The Board has decided that the Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for this condition.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent. The Board has decided that the Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for this condition.,The Veteran's implanted cardiac pacemaker and his disability manifested by fatigue are both remanded due to inadequate examinations in previous decisions.,The Veteran's service connection claims for an implanted cardiac pacemaker and a disability manifested by fatigue are also remanded.