GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for GERD, service connection for a right shoulder disability, and service connection for a back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and effective date determinations are being remanded due to outstanding Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastroesophageal reflux disease is proximately due to his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia has been rated at a 30 percent disability level, which is the maximum rating available for this condition. The decision also notes that the Veteran’s symptoms have caused considerable impairment to his health.

The Veteran's GERD is not manifested by persistent or recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, regurgitation, or accompanied with substernal or arm/shoulder pain. The Board finds that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues being inextricably intertwined with other claims, specifically the claim for service connection for PTSD. The VR&E services claim will be readjudicated after resolving the PTSD issue.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, and right shoulder disability. The Veteran's disabilities are found to have started during his military service.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastroesophageal disorder, claimed as GERD, is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding its relationship to his service-connected disability and potential aggravation.

The Veteran's GERD was not productive of severe impairment of health, and therefore a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for herpes (genital) is granted due to the Veteran's STRs showing a diagnosis and treatment in service, despite lack of documentation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), anemia, and pseudofolliculitis barbae as they were not incurred or aggravated during his periods of active military service.

The Board dismissed the appeal because the September 2015 rating decision was not a final decision and did not place the issue in appellate status.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for GERD and service connection for other digestive system disabilities was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and his diagnoses were not related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for fatigue, neck disability, dizziness/vertigo, headaches, PTSD, sleep apnea, and acid reflux. The appeals are not about service connection under the presumptive provisions for Gulf War illness.

The Veteran's claims seeking to reopen service connection for various conditions have been granted. The Board found that the submitted medical evidence was sufficient to reopen these claims due to new and material evidence.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS is currently rated as 10 percent prior to August 27, 2015 and 30 percent thereafter. The Board has granted an increased rating of 30 percent for the period beginning August 27, 2015.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic diarrhea and gastritis post cholecystectomy is denied as his symptoms do not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for GERD with Barrett's esophagitis and esophageal stricture is remanded to consider whether separate ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history, leading the Board to grant a TDIU as of April 8, 2016.

The Veteran's hypertension, coronary artery disease with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease status post stents, and GERD are all being remanded for further evaluation. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.