GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disorder, including GERD and gastritis, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has denied claims for service connection for hypertension, gastrointestinal disorder (GERD), and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities. The Veteran's claim was not granted as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of complete service records and potential herbicide exposure at the Savannah River Plant. The claims will be reconsidered after these issues are resolved.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete information regarding her periods of active duty and inactive duty training, as well as concerns about the adequacy of VA examinations. The issues include hypertension, sinus condition, gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as acid reflux), hysterectomy and related conditions, skin condition, and headaches.

The Veteran's GERD with Barrett's esophagus and cholecystectomy is rated at 10 percent prior to November 24, 2014, and remains at 10 percent thereafter. The rating is based on symptoms of pyrosis, reflux, regurgitation, substernal pain, and sleep disturbance.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection related to groin disorder, gastrointestinal disorder (GERD), left shoulder disorder, and low back disorder are remanded due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the April 2014 rating decision. The effective date of his allergic rhinitis service connection is set at November 18, 2016.,The Veteran's initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis prior to October 24, 2018 was denied as there were no objective indications of nasal obstruction or polyps. A 30 percent rating effective from October 24, 2018 is granted based on the development of nasal polyps.,Service connection for a bone and joint condition due to undiagnosed illness is not established, while service connection for bilateral hip condition, respiratory condition, hearing loss, GERD, and headaches are all determined by direct evidence.

The Veteran's GERD and irritable bowel syndrome are granted service connection, while right ear hearing loss is denied. The case for right ear hearing loss is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD and diverticulosis, finding insufficient evidence to link the conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an opinion regarding whether hypertension is related to service. Service connection for GERD and left ear scar disability remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and for a dental disability (for compensation purposes) due to GERD, finding no medical evidence linking current GERD to his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.,The Veteran's OSA is not considered secondary to his service-connected PTSD and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.,There is no evidence of TBI residuals at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim, nor is there evidence linking GERD to service connection.,Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is also denied as secondary to PTSD and not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder, along with other service-connected conditions, has resulted in a 70 percent disability rating since September 2, 2016. The Board also granted TDIU based on the Veteran's inability to maintain substantial gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's chronic daily headaches and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are granted service connection, while his chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is denied. The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is remanded for further examination.

The Board has identified several new documents in the Veteran's file and is remanding the case for readjudication, including consideration of these additional records. The claims will be returned to the RO for this purpose.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to changes in her service-connected disabilities and the need for a new examination to assess her employability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD and ulcerative colitis, is caused or aggravated by his service-connected anxiety disorder. The VA examiner needs to provide an addendum opinion addressing this issue.

Service connection for Type II Diabetes Mellitus is granted. The Veteran's claims for service connection of peripheral neuropathy and GERD are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including as secondary to arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with repair. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on new evidence and an updated medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to incomplete development of evidence. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to address the etiology of his claimed conditions.