GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's GERD is granted an initial rating of 30 percent, but not higher. The Veteran's sinusitis remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination and qualification information, particularly regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea. The Veteran is required to provide documentation showing any and all known qualifications for the examiners in this case.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected, with all reasonable doubt resolved in his favor.,Service connection for GERD and Hiatal Hernia is denied due to lack of evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Board has granted service connection for right foot and left foot disabilities, as well as a psychiatric disorder including PTSD. The remaining issues of service connection for liver disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and right shoulder disability are remanded.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right wrist, right knee, and right ankle disabilities have been granted at a 10 percent level since February 1, 2013. The appeal is denied as the Veteran does not meet criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's GERD, knee disabilities, PTSD, and scars are all remanded for further evaluation. The case is also remanded to obtain VA treatment records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection due to inadequate rationale provided by the VA examiners regarding the Veteran's exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The claims will be reviewed again with new opinions from the examiners.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including TBI residuals, right and left arm disorders, right and left foot disorders, a left sciatic nerve disorder, low back arthritis, and GERD. The reasons given were that there was no evidence of these conditions during or immediately after service, and the current diagnoses did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is currently rated at the highest available rating of 50 percent, and a higher rating is not warranted.,A 30 percent rating for asthma has been granted. The Veteran uses daily inhalation bronchodilator therapy.

The Veteran's GERD is granted service connection, and his left knee arthritis and instability are granted increased ratings. However, a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee instability remains denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple issues are being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and extraschedular TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was reopened and granted. The claims for sleep apnea, hiatal hernia (claimed as GERD), and pes planus are remanded.

The Veteran's generalized anxiety disorder is rated at 50 percent effective from April 9, 2014.,The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent effective from July 20, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep apnea, and tension headaches is remanded. The claim for a 10 percent evaluation based on multiple, non-compensable, service-connected disabilities, under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324, for the period from January 31, 2007, to April 17, 2009 is withdrawn.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 18, 2013, for the grant of service connection for tension headaches is denied.

The Veteran's left shoulder hemiarthroplasty is being remanded for further review.,Essential hypertension secondary to sleep apnea or stroke residuals is being remanded for further review.,Sleep apnea secondary to stroke residuals is being remanded for further review.,Osteoarthritis is being remanded for further review.,A chronic kidney disorder with kidney stones, secondary to osteoarthritis, is being remanded for further review.,Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), secondary to sleep apnea, is being remanded for further review.,Gout, secondary to a chronic kidney disorder, is being remanded for further review.,Coronary artery disease (CAD), secondary to sleep apnea, is being remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea have been granted. The Board found that the evidence established continuity of symptomatology since service, with GERD being related to in-service heartburn symptoms and sleep apnea likely due to obesity rather than PTSD.

The Veteran's GERD, post-operative HNP of the lumbosacral spine, right Achilles tendonitis, and RLE radiculopathy with atrophy of the right calf are all rated based on their respective service-connected conditions. The claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to June 28, 2017 are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including heart disability, respiratory disability, acid reflux, migraines, hypertension, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The remand is due to incomplete records from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth during the Veteran's active duty period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia with GERD symptoms, finding insufficient evidence to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.