GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, GERD and migraine headaches as secondary to PTSD due to a new theory of entitlement raised by the Veteran's attorney.

The Veteran's migraine headaches, sinusitis, right elbow disability, left foot disability, gastroesophageal condition (gastritis), left hip disability, and right shoulder disability are all found to be related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for Type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and arteriosclerotic heart disease. The Veteran's claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded due to the need for a VA examination. The Veteran's claim for evaluation of his service-connected scars is also remanded.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent, effective from March 5, 2012. The rating for metatarsalgia remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is denied for an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, left hand and finger disability, lumbar degenerative disc disease and arthritis, medial synovitis and medial plica syndrome of the left knee, anterior pain syndrome of the right knee, other stressor and trauma related disorder, psoriasis and dermatitis, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), diarrhea, and lung condition. The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, vertigo, acid reflux, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to lack of a diagnosed condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's GERD and its relationship to service, specifically exposure to asbestos and JP-5 jet fuel. The Veteran is advised that he can obtain representation or appoint a new representative while the case is on remand.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to address due process issues and obtain additional evidence regarding the Veteran's employment prospects. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and remanded the issues of service connection for gout and a gastrointestinal disability. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to incomplete information regarding the Veteran's employment history and educational background. The Veteran is required to provide updated and complete information about his current and past employment, self-employment income, and any educational programs attended.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted, and his GERD rating is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disabilities, specifically diverticulitis and GERD. The case needs further development with an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and an unspecified depressive disorder), and GERD have been granted. The claim for sleep apnea is remanded. An increased rating of 60 percent from March 13, 2020 has been granted for GERD.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD is dismissed.,Service connection for coronary artery disease, to include heart attacks, is granted.

The Veteran's migraines, right wrist strain, and MDD have been granted initial ratings. GERD has also been granted an initial rating, but the effective date is denied.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for service-connected hemorrhoids, but the claim for GERD remains pending and requires additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for clarification of the examination report and further development, including scheduling a telehealth interview or requesting additional records.

The Veteran's GERD with Barrett's esophagus is rated at a 30 percent since prior to March 5, 2019. The rating was granted for this period.