GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's hypertension is rated at 10 percent, but no higher. The initial rating for service-connected lumbar strain has been granted at 40 percent from April 24, 2019.,Service connection was denied for erectile dysfunction, hiatal hernia/GERD, headaches, PTSD, joint problems, fatigue/shortness of breath, and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected GERD is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA must obtain private medical records from Digestive Associates that the Veteran identified in March 2014.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected mental disorder. The claims for hypertension and GERD are remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The issues of service connection for chronic right and left knee disabilities have been dismissed. Service connection has been granted for tinnitus, an acquired psychiatric disability (including major depression and PTSD), but the remaining issues related to GERD, IBS, ulcerative colitis, and gastroenteritis are remanded.,Service connection is granted for tinnitus due to in-service noise exposure. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability, including major depression and PTSD, is also service-connected based on a verified stressor.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's tinnitus is denied a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of outstanding treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities, degenerative joint disease of the left hip, left knee medial meniscus tear, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The issues have been remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current conditions and his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for pseudofolliculitis barbae and gastrointestinal disability (GERD and hiatal hernia) due to potential service connection issues. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it could be significantly impacted by the outcome of the other claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for glioblastoma brain tumor and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to his service-connected chronic motion sickness have been denied. His claim for a compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss has also been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his unemployability is due to Parkinson’s disease and associated symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding service connection for GERD and lumbosacral degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's GERD is related to his military service, while his lumbosacral degenerative arthritis requires a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD either contributed to or aggravated his GERD, which in turn contributed to his IPF and caused his death. Therefore, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's IBS, GERD, OSA, and Sleep-Wake Disorder are all granted. The Veteran is also awarded a compensable evaluation for his IBS. Service connection is established for bilateral ankle disability, knee pain, shin pain, foot swelling, and hand swelling due to Gulf War undiagnosed illness.

The Board denied service connection for a lower back disability and remanded the claims for respiratory disorder and GERD. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for stomach injury residuals and GERD have been reopened, but the Board has remanded these issues due to insufficient evidence. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss disability is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to higher ratings for GERD, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, left ear hearing loss, and acquired flatfoot with plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia and a stomach disorder (including hiatal hernia, GERD) are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and missing service personnel records.

The Veteran's GERD has been granted a 10 percent rating. The hypertension issue is remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment during the period from June 1, 2010 to December 31, 2012. The Board denied entitlement to TDIU for this period.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for GERD, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with osteoporosis, sciatica, erectile dysfunction, and a head injury due to incomplete examinations and lack of clear opinions on the etiology of these conditions.