GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for left foot hallux valgus, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis, GERD, and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy and cervico-trapezial myofascitis. The right upper extremity disability is also granted as secondary to the service-connected cervical strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and effective dates related to his service-connected conditions was granted. Service connection for migraine headaches, hypertension, PTSD, folliculitis barbae, small sliding hiatal hernia with aphthous ulcers (claimed as GERD/stomach pains), and left hip strain with osteoarthritis were all established or maintained. Effective dates were set based on the date of claim or entitlement determination.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional examinations and development to address the issues of service connection for tinnitus, bilateral foot condition, headaches, dermatitis, and a claimed sinusitis. The Veteran will be provided with VA medical examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and assistance, thus granting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the cases of sleep apnea and GERD for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for postherpetic neuralgia involving the right ear and entitlement to a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs a new VA examination for his postherpetic neuralgia involving the right ear, and his claim for TDIU will be referred to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine disability, left foot disability, migraine disability, right hand disability, CFS, and GI disabilities (IBS and GERD) have been granted. The claim for erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD has also been granted.

The appeal is denied as the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions were not timely filed, and the issues are dismissed or denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to reimbursement of $7,392.00 for expenses incurred during her surviving spouse's last sickness and burial.

The Board has remanded the cases of sleep apnea and gastroesophageal disorder for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding whether these conditions are related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD is rated at 30 percent, his right knee retropatellar pain syndrome and instability are each rated at 10 percent, and he has a separate 10 percent rating for his right knee scars. These ratings are effective from the date of the claim in June 2014.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastrointestinal disorders, including GERD and fecal urgency and incontinence, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claimed thyroid, GERD, and throat disabilities have not been shown to be related to service or any undiagnosed illness. The Board found that the conditions are not attributable to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for shin splints in both lower extremities, right shoulder post-operative scar (Diagnostic Code 7802), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied. The Veteran also has had his initial disability ratings for a right shoulder post-operative scar (Diagnostic Codes 7802 and 7804), left fifth finger fracture, and right elbow strain denied.,The Veteran's service connection claim for a cervical spine strain was granted.

The Veteran's GERD is granted as service connected, and his bilateral hearing loss is denied due to lack of continuity of symptoms within one year post-service.

The Board has denied service connection for tooth erosion due to GERD, as the Veteran does not have a current dental disability. The case is remanded for further examination and evaluation of the Veteran's GERD and kidney stones with hydronephrosis.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for dyshidrotic eczema and increased evaluation for myofascial pain of the cervical spine. The claim for service connection for lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disorder, left ankle disorder, right carpal tunnel syndrome, and left carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded due to the need to obtain STRs.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for GERD, right and left hand peripheral neuropathy, right and left shoulder disability, right and left ankle disability, and residuals of a branchial cleft cyst excision. The Board also granted service connection for a low back disability (moderate spondylosis) and associated right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including gunshot wounds, hearing loss, tinnitus, joint diseases, and disabilities of the elbows, shoulders, wrists, ankles, knees, lumbar spine, cervical spine, esophageal cancer, skin disorders, heart issues, respiratory problems, and memory loss. The decision was based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.