GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his service-connected left shoulder strain, obstructive sleep apnea, major depressive disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraine headaches, and total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).,The Veteran's left shoulder strain is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board dismissed all appeals seeking service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, allergic rhinitis, anemia with vitamin D deficiency, and other medical issues. The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected asthma.

The Veteran's initial ratings for a left shoulder disability and GERD have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.,The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to October 14, 2017 has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examinations and conflicting medical evidence. The Veteran's GERD and hyperaldosteronism ratings are being reviewed, as well as his TDIU claim.

The Board has dismissed the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus as they have been granted by a June 2020 rating decision. The issues of service connection for a stomach condition, to include GERD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include adjustment disorder with anxiety, secondary to service-connected status-post inguinal hernia repairs are remanded.

The Veteran's tension headaches are rated at 50 percent prior to December 6, 2018. The Board also granted entitlement to TDIU for the period prior to November 13, 2013.

The Board has remanded the claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and diabetes mellitus, type II, to include as secondary to service-connected hepatitis C due to incomplete medical records. The Veteran is requested to provide additional private medical records from various providers.

The Board has remanded several issues related to service connection for gastrointestinal, left knee, and right knee disabilities, as well as a disability causing swelling in the lower extremities. The claims are being returned for additional development including obtaining medical records and providing opinions on whether these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, including obtaining an opinion regarding service connection for a respiratory disorder (to include asthma) and evaluating the Veteran's GERD with mild esophagitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that there was no evidence of a current disability or a causal relationship to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an extraschedular evaluation for hiatal hernia, Barrett’s esophagus, and GERD as the established schedular criteria adequately described his disability.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia, GERD and gastric/peptic ulcer have been rated at 20 percent since May 2, 2013. The Board denied a higher rating as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 7346 or 7203.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records from Dr. Monahan and a legible copy of the December 2018 correspondence from Dr. Drummond, before these claims can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's GERD with gastroenteritis has been granted a 30% rating, effective March 31, 2013. The claim for higher ratings for left hip strain based on limitation of flexion was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for BPPV, OSA, skin cancer, and GERD are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA will provide additional examinations and obtain addendum opinions as requested.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is dismissed as the benefits have already been granted.,Service connection for GERD (claimed as gastric inflammation) has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran’s current diagnosis of GERD is at least as likely as not etiologically related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's basic eligibility for Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits was established on March 26, 2012, when he received a TDIU rating. The Board found that the effective date could not precede this date due to the permanent and total disability requirement.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including bipolar disorder, PTSD, and major depressive disorder. The claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded, and the TDIU claim remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, GERD, and migraine headaches due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The VA examiners were not satisfied with their previous opinions that did not adequately address the Veteran's lay statements about his ongoing symptoms.