GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability was denied, but the claim for service connection for GERD is remanded.,For the period from November 21, 2019 through the present, the Veteran has a maximum schedular rating of 40% for his right acromioclavicular joint disability.

The Veteran's hypertension, bilateral hearing loss disability, tinnitus, hepatitis C with cirrhosis of the liver, gastroesophageal disability (including GERD and Barrett's esophagus), heart disability other than CAD (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation), and erectile dysfunction are all granted. However, due to insufficient evidence, several issues related to these conditions have been remanded for further development.

The Veteran's GERD and migraine headaches are rated at a 30% since December 9, 2019. The GERD is characterized by persistent symptoms including dysphagia, pyrosis, regurgitation, and substernal arm or shoulder pain. The migraine headaches have been characterized as monthly prostrating attacks.

The Veteran is granted entitlement to SMC at the maximum rate authorized under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(p) and an increased level of SMC based on the need for a higher level of care at the rate specified under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(2).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastritis/GERD and sleep apnea due to secondary service connection. The VA is required to obtain additional medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are proximately due or aggravated by medications used to treat his service-connected left shoulder condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, allergic rhinitis, and acid reflux/GERD due to incomplete development of his records and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's left calcaneal spur with plantar fasciitis is currently rated at 20% and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,For the period prior to January 17, 2018, the Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease was rated at 10%, but the Board found no basis to grant a higher rating. For the period from January 17, 2018, the Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease is rated at 20% and the Board found no basis to grant a higher rating.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 10%, but the Board found no basis to grant a higher rating. The Veteran's GERD disability is now rated at 30%.,Service connection for tinnitus and obstructive sleep apnea secondary to GERD were both granted.

The Board has granted entitlement to service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, but denied entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for an upper gastrointestinal disorder, to include GERD, due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional evidence and medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran meets the criteria for service connection for PTSD and GERD as secondary to a psychiatric disability. The issues of service connection for PTSD and GERD are being returned to the RO for additional processing.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee condition, but has remanded his claims for hypertension and GERD as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for gastritis and an increased rating for PTSD. The remaining issues of service connection for GERD, bilateral foot disability, and chronic fatigue syndrome are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for mood disorder is denied. Service connection for GERD, to include as due to exposure to environmental hazards during service in the Gulf War, is also denied. The reduction in the disability rating for cervical spine disability from 20% to 10% is void and the Veteran's claim for restoration of a 20% rating is remanded.

The Board has remanded the service connection claims for a respiratory disorder and GERD due to additional development, including requesting SSA disability benefits records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disability, including acute episodes of gastroenteritis and GERD, is at least as likely as not related to his service in the United States Navy.

The Veteran's tinnitus and GERD have been granted service connection. The right shoulder and knee disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Board denied service connection for right ankle disability, left ankle disability, lumbosacral strain, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or were related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's assertions of continuity of symptoms since service were found to be less credible due to inconsistencies with medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux with nausea and vomiting, chronic fatigue, varicocele, and testicular cyst. Service connection was denied for headaches.

Service connection for a cervical spine disability, low back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and seizure disorder is denied.,Service connection for erectile dysfunction is remanded due to lack of an opinion on the relationship between service-connected PTSD and GERD.