GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for PTSD was not timely filed, resulting in the June 2014 rating decision becoming final. Tinnitus is rated at its maximum of 10 percent. Hypertension does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating. GERD meets the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating but no higher. The scar claim was granted based on service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The remaining claims of service connection for various conditions are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for erectile dysfunction, headache disorder, GERD, and skin disorders. The Veteran's PTSD is also being examined to determine its current severity.

The Veteran's thoracic strain and GERD have been rated, but the Board has found that a higher rating is warranted for both conditions. The issue of TDIU due to service-connected spine disabilities remains pending.

The Board has remanded the cases of GERD, fibromyalgia, and sleep apnea for further examination to determine their etiology. The Veteran's service connection claims for these conditions are pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and her claim for an increased rating for GERD was remanded. The decision does not address the issue of service connection via a presumption.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including IBS and GERD, as well as secondary service connection to PTSD. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service or caused by her service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's facial scars, residual of acne vulgaris are rated at 30% and her GERD is granted an initial rating of 10%. The facial scars meet the criteria for a 30% evaluation under DC 7800. Her GERD meets the criteria for a 10% evaluation under DC 7346.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and increased rating were denied.,For the lumbar spine degenerative joint disease and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy, an effective date of February 6, 2017 was granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for PTSD service connection and a higher rating for GERD and hiatal hernia is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for GERD due to inadequate medical opinion and a need for further development.

The Veteran's GERD is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 60 percent effective as of February 21, 2010, due to severe symptoms including persistent cough and exertional dyspnea.

The Board has remanded two issues: 1) Entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for GERD, and 2) Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include depression and anxiety). The Veteran is required to provide updated VA treatment records and undergo a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected due to in-service noise exposure. Service connection for testicular cancer is also granted based on presumed exposure at Camp Lejeune. The remaining claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea is currently rated at 50 percent, and his GERD is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board denied higher ratings for both conditions.

The Board has denied service connection for left hand CMC joint arthritis, back disorder, skin disorder (psoriasis), anxiety disorder, right ankle disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and seizure disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's military service.,Further examination is needed to address the etiology of the Veteran’s current diagnoses.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for UTI and GERD have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of the appeals. The Board has also remanded cases regarding bilateral knee disability and left ankle disability.