GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including hypertension, multiple orthopedic conditions, glaucoma, tinnitus, and anxiety with insomnia, have not rendered her unemployable since she retired from the Army in April 2013.

The Veteran's application to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a neuropsychiatric disorder was granted. Claims for diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occipital neuralgia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD were denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence from a VA examination, and the Veteran missed his scheduled appointment for an examination related to his gastrointestinal disability. The claim will be reconsidered after another examination is conducted.

The Veteran's appeals for an initial compensable rating for left index finger laceration with scar and an effective date earlier than February 20, 2013 for the grant of service connection for left index finger laceration with scar have been withdrawn.,The Board has remanded cases involving entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, a rating in excess of 10 percent for DDD L5-S1, and a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to September 1, 2018, and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter for GERD.

The Board has remanded the cases of a hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU). The Veteran's symptoms associated with his service-connected conditions need further evaluation, including chest pain.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the correct facts were before the RO at the time of the April 1998 rating decision, and the statutory and regulatory provisions in effect then were correctly applied.

The Veteran's initial rating for obstructive sleep apnea is denied as his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus rating is also denied since he has not experienced episodes of ketoacidosis or hypoglycemic reactions requiring hospitalization or visits to a diabetic care provider, and no complications are present that would be compensable if separately evaluated.,Service connection for GERD and Barrett's esophagus is remanded as the evidence does not clearly establish whether these conditions are proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy ratings remain unchanged, with his claims for increased ratings being remanded.,TDIU prior to March 14, 2016 is also remanded as the evidence does not clearly establish whether this condition has rendered the Veteran unemployable due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities (polyneuropathy) is remanded due to a lack of updated private treatment records from his lifetime providers.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for radiculopathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities is remanded.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction, to include as secondary to service-connected disabilities, is remanded.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, to include GERD, to include as secondary to service-connected disabilities, is remanded.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for depression and anxiety, to include as secondary to service-connected disabilities, is remanded.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at a 10 percent disability rating prior to June 27, 2019 and at a 30 percent disability rating from June 27, 2019 to the present.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient verification of the Veteran's service dates and training status, particularly for his right knee injury in July 2009.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied as the evidence did not show that his symptoms more nearly approximated those required for a 100 percent rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of low back surgery prior to December 9, 2016 and from December 9, 2016 was denied. The evidence showed that the Veteran did not have unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes as required for a higher rating.

The Veteran's headaches and low back disability are granted service connection as they had their onset during her period of active duty. Other conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, were not connected to service.

The Veteran's urticarial vasculitis, migraine headaches, and hiatal hernia/GERD have been granted increased ratings. The Veteran also received special monthly compensation (SMC) under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The claims of service connection for various conditions, including TBI, seizure disorder, lower back disability, and others are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including GERD, Adjustment Disorder, Degenerative Disc Disease of the thoracic spine, Right ankle strain, and Tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from March 29, 2012, but no earlier. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and a gastrointestinal disorder (GERD) have been denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and their service. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for secondary service connection due to her PTSD.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD are rated at a 30 percent rating prior to June 4, 2014. Service connection for esophageal stricture and dysmotility is granted.,PTSD service connection is granted with an effective date of August 31, 2006. TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to January 21, 2010 remains pending.

The Veteran's GERD was granted a disability rating of 60 percent effective March 10, 2018. The previous ratings were for prior periods.