GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not shown to result in permanent disability, and therefore the criteria for a permanent and total rating under VA regulations are not met.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD and for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities must be remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for chronic cough, migraines (headaches), acid reflux, left knee disability, and right ankle disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran's TDIU claim was dismissed as he withdrew his appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and headaches due to incomplete development of the record.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic urethritis, diabetes mellitus type II as due to herbicide exposure, bladder cancer as due to herbicide agent and/or diesel fuel exposure, and gastrointestinal disorder/GERD. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, and GERD. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for alopecia was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD was reopened, and the claim is granted.

The claims to reopen the previously denied service connection for hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to hiatal hernia have been denied because no new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and a retrospective medical opinion to assess the severity of his lower back disability prior to August 3, 2017. The issues of PTSD, GERD with hiatal hernia and IBS, allergic rhinitis, and bilateral pes planus with bilateral plantar fasciitis are also remanded for updated examinations.

Service connection for GERD has been granted.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for ovarian cyst and hysterectomy are being remanded.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service-connected. The Board has remanded several other issues for further development and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions including low back disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, lower extremity radiculopathy, circulatory disorder, gastric disorder (including GERD), acquired psychiatric disorder, psoriatic arthritis, and liver disorder due to incomplete development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for GERD and for a higher disability rating for unspecified depressive disorder. The Veteran is required to provide releases for relevant records of treatment from McAllen Medical Center and Dr. N.L., and to identify other care providers who may possess new or additional evidence pertinent to his appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for SMC based on a need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he does not require such assistance.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for right spermatocele was denied as he does not have voiding or renal dysfunction, which would warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.,Service connection for a neurological disability was denied as there is no current evidence of such a condition.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating.,The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes of the lumbar spine is now rated at 40 percent. The Board has also remanded for further action regarding TDIU prior to January 30, 2018.

The Veteran's death from a motor vehicle accident was not caused or related to his service-connected conditions, including bipolar disorder and other medical issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right hip disability and GERD are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate explanation of why the Veteran's symptoms do not warrant a higher rating for GERD.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted service connection, and the Board finds that his GERD may be aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The claims for left knee, right fifth digit, hemorrhoids, onychomycosis of the toenails, and lumbar spine disabilities are remanded.