GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board finds that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for any of the claimed conditions.,VA examinations were inadequate and new VA examinations are required for both knees.

The Veteran's GERD was found to be at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his chronic use of NSAIDs for service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities.,His diabetes mellitus was also found to be at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by the weight gain resulting from his service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee disability, hallux valgus of the right big toe, GERD, respiratory disorder, chronic sleep disorder, and left shoulder disability due to a lack of service treatment records and inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to an initial rating higher than 30 percent for PTSD.,The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to a disability rating higher than 10 percent for her back disability.,The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to an initial rating higher than 10 percent for GERD.,The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's GERD is related to service.

The Board has denied service connection for GERD due to lack of a current diagnosis. The case is remanded for further examination and consideration of secondary service connection based on the Veteran's Gulf War exposure.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from May 1, 2014 to August 1, 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities that precluded substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's tinnitus is rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines, and no higher rating can be granted.,Service connection for OSA has been established based on evidence showing that it likely began during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has granted service connection for headaches. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected Crohn’s disease with GERD was denied. The case is remanded to rate the Veteran's nephrolithiasis and entitlement to TDIU prior to November 20, 2015.

The Veteran's initial rating for GERD is granted at 10 percent, effective from May 28, 2010. The claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities is denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for hemorrhoids has been denied, and his claims of service connection for GERD and an increased rating for PTSD are remanded. His claim for TDIU is also remanded due to its inextricability with the other issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient examination reports and duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for dermatitis and GERD was denied. The Board found that the Veteran’s conditions did not meet criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD and hiatal hernia. However, the issue of secondary service connection for Barrett's disease is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's GERD is granted an initial rating of 30 percent, effective August 22, 2018. The Veteran’s lumbosacral strain remains at a 20 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hypertension due to insufficient medical opinions regarding causation or aggravation. The VA will need to provide additional opinions on whether these conditions are related to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder condition and left shoulder condition, finding that the Veteran's current shoulder issues are more likely due to natural aging of his joints. The Board granted an increased rating of 30 percent for GERD.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, erectile dysfunction, and right hip disability due to new and material evidence. These claims are now remanded for further development.,The Board has also reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for erectile dysfunction secondary to his left ankle disability (service-connected low back disability). This claim is also remanded for further development.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU and basic eligibility for education benefits under Chapter 35 (DEA) from December 17, 2008. The effective date of these awards has been set at this time.