GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's GERD was rated at a non-compensable level prior to November 2010, but received a higher rating of 30% effective October 2016.,Hemorrhoids were initially rated as non-compensable and later upgraded to 10%, with no further increase since June 2013.

Your claims for service connection have been dismissed as you opted to proceed with the modernized review system.

The Veteran's service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and chondromalacia, GERD, PTSD with alcohol use disorder, fracture of the left distal fibula and tibia, and bowel incontinence is granted. An effective date prior to September 27, 2006 for PTSD with alcohol use disorder is denied. A rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder from December 12, 2013 through May 19, 2017 is denied. An earlier effective date for SMC based on housebound status prior to May 19, 2017 is also denied.

The Board denied service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome due to Gulf War service, attributing the Veteran's symptoms to OSA.,Service connection was also denied for GERD (claimed as gastrointestinal symptoms) due to Gulf War service. The VA examiner concluded that there is no causal relationship between the Veteran’s GERD and his service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete opinions and the need for further examination. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability is being reviewed, with consideration given to whether it is related to service or not.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was dismissed. The appeals for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), diarrhea, left knee disability, headaches, obstructive sleep apnea, vitiligo, and balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) were remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD is at least as likely as not related to her military service and has granted her claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and remanded the issue of service connection for a gastrointestinal disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and exposure. The AOJ is instructed to investigate potential herbicide agent exposure, obtain an addendum opinion from a VA psychologist on PTSD, arrange for a VA examination to determine if CAD, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and GERD are related to service or any diagnosed acquired psychiatric disability.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, migraines, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder, a bilateral ankle disability, and a bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than November 14, 2014 are being remanded due to the complexity of the issues and the need for clarification from the Veteran regarding her appeals.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD and bipolar disorder, due to new medical opinions submitted since the final July 2007 rating decision.,The Board also remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for GERD as it is unclear whether there are missing service treatment records.

The Veteran's left hip disability was not incurred in or due to his time in service, and is denied.,PTSD does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 70 percent. The claim is denied.,Back disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 5, 2019 or 20 percent thereafter from that date. The claim is denied.,Right lower extremity radiculopathy was not rated higher than 10 percent prior to March 5, 2019 and granted a rating of 20 percent thereafter. The claim is partially granted.,Left lower extremity radiculopathy was not rated higher than 10 percent prior to March 5, 2019 and granted a rating of 20 percent thereafter. The claim is partially granted.,GERD did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The claim is denied.,Left knee disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for esophageal disability and dermatitis of the hands, ears, and hair/scalp due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to obtain updated VA treatment records, request private treatment records as needed, schedule a VA examination for esophageal conditions, and schedule a VA skin examination.

The Veteran's tinea pedis and sarcoidosis have not been found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Veteran’s acquired psychiatric disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Board has remanded the claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal cancer due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection. The case is also remanded for readjudication of special monthly compensation based on a need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for GERD has been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for left inguinal hernia repair, bilateral arm numbness, and right foot sesamoiditis with hallux valgus of the great toe, as well as TDIU.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including for psychiatric disability, right shoulder and knee disabilities, sleep apnea, hernia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The AOJ is instructed to obtain SSA records, request VA examination reports, and adjudicate TDIU.

The Veteran's GERD, Barrett's esophagus, and diverticular disease of the descending colon and sigmoid colon are granted as secondary to his service-connected type II diabetes mellitus.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD has been dismissed as the appeal was withdrawn under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA).