GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for GERD and a right knee disorder due to incomplete medical records and need for additional examination.

The Veteran's GERD disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted. The TDIU claim is also before the Board as part of this increased rating claim.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,From August 19, 2010, to June 9, 2013, and from June 10, 2013, thereafter, the Veteran's PTSD and OCD are rated at 50 percent and 70 percent respectively. The Board finds that these ratings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's Section 1151 claim for another medical opinion due to a lack of development in this area.

The Board has remanded the claims for acid reflux and ulcerative colitis, as well as the cervical spine disability claim. The Veteran's representative requested a VA examination to determine if his acid reflux is related to his service-connected sleep apnea medication.

The Board has determined that the combined evaluation of 60 percent from March 8, 2012 to November 18, 2015; and 80 percent from November 19, 2015 is correctly calculated based on the service-connected disability evaluations in effect at that time. The appeal for a higher combined evaluation is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain additional medical opinions. The issues include service connection for a gastrointestinal condition, bilateral hearing loss, and peripheral nerve involvement of the right lower extremity.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for GERD and dermatitis, urticaria, and pruritus are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded two issues: whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a previously denied claim for GERD, and the Veteran's entitlement to service connection for OSA, which is secondary to his plantar fasciitis. The decision does not address any specific rating or effective date.

The Board has denied the Veteran's applications to reopen his claims for service connection for residuals of right and left knee injuries, as well as his claim for service connection for acid reflux (also claimed as ulcers and GERD). The claims are remanded due to a lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran contends that his current disabilities were caused by in-service parachute jumps. However, the Board found no new or material evidence to support these contentions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was denied as the condition is not related to active service or caused by his service-connected PTSD. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was also denied due to lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining claims of reopening and service connection are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's claims for effective date earlier determinations have been withdrawn.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his bilateral knee service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his cervical spine service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his bilateral shoulder service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his hiatal hernia/acid reflux service, and thus denied these claims.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to his GERD service, and thus denied these claims.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from April 1, 2010 to April 26, 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and GERD due to insufficient medical evidence. The Veteran testified that his hypertension may have been caused by tension during service, while he started experiencing symptoms of GERD about one year after service.

The Veteran's entitlement to a 60 percent rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) is granted as of March 12, 2019. The claims for service connection for dizzy spells, GERD, headaches, and hiatal hernia are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder with bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, and bilateral foot and toe disorder. The Veteran also had a service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder which was also remanded.

The Veteran's GERD, left shoulder disability, insomnia, hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia, flat feet (pes planus), and tinnitus are not service-connected.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right knee is not service-connected.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and erectile dysfunction due to PTSD. The Veteran's psychiatric disabilities are currently under consideration, as is his claim for secondary service connection of ED.,Further examination and analysis are needed to determine if any non-service-connected psychiatric conditions are related to PTSD or other service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases due to his various conditions, including gout, low back issues, knee problems, achilles tendonitis, diabetes, blood pressure disorders, left Achilles condition, heart condition, sinusitis, and GERD. The Veteran will need to undergo additional examinations and obtain addendum medical opinions regarding his mental health, left Achilles condition, diabetes, sinusitis, blood pressure disorder, and heart disability.