GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease, prostate condition, kidney condition, and hypertension due to exposure in and around Fort McClellan. The AOJ is required to attempt to corroborate all of the Veteran's contended exposures, including those off base in Anniston.

The Board dismissed the appeal as there was no case or controversy before it. The Veteran's earlier effective dates, increased ratings, and total disability rating claims were decided in a May 2019 decision. A May 2020 rating decision granted service connection for headaches.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for stomach acid disorder (GERD) and sleep apnea, finding that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate prior to November 2, 2012, and from January 1, 2013 to August 5, 2019, as he did not meet the schedular requirements for SMC housebound benefits.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of severe impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and thus grants his claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to address whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are permanently disabling and to determine his eligibility for education benefits under Chapter 35.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including depression, anxiety, obstructive sleep apnea, hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a lumbar spine condition, bilateral knee joint pain, bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy and allergic rhinitis.

An initial 10 percent rating is granted for uveitis of the left eye, effective September 16, 2014. A higher rating is denied.,A 30 percent rating is granted for a bowel disorder (including IBS, UC, and GERD) prior to February 21, 2018. A higher rating is denied after that date.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a vocal cord disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a skin disorder. The Board found that these conditions are not related to his military service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has determined that additional efforts are needed to obtain the Veteran's current address and schedule him for VA examinations. The claims for increased ratings, service connection, and secondary service connection will be remanded.

The Veteran's claims for stomach, throat, and GERD disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The RO will need to schedule a new examination by a gastroenterologist or other gastrointestinal specialist to address the nature and cause of his claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for chronic sinusitis, COPD, and GERD due to duty-to-assist errors in obtaining medical opinions prior to the July 2019 decision on appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of hands, arms, knees, shoulders, and back, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions that he had these conditions during or due to his time in service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for further development due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding whether his service-connected sleep apnea and/or Naproxen taken for his service-connected back disability may be aggravating or worsening his GERD and dyspepsia.

The Veteran's GERD with gastric ulcer is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating allowed under DCs 7304-7346. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are primarily manifested by mild symptoms of anemia and periodic abdominal pain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for acid reflux secondary to his service-connected residuals of a stab wound to the abdomen and for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected residuals of a stab wound with irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's GERD with esophagitis and esophageal stricture is granted a 30 percent disability evaluation, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's GERD and RLE radiculopathy have been granted increased disability ratings of 30 percent for GERD and 20 percent for RLE radiculopathy, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected disabilities, as well as for potential new evidence related to hearing loss, sciatica, and respiratory disabilities.