GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board found that there is no evidence linking the Veteran’s current GERD to his military service or exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, and also determined that he does not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable (0 percent).,The Veteran's right hand neuropathy is currently rated at 20 percent.,There is no current diagnosis of bilateral shin splints, and the claim for this condition is denied.,Service connection for GERD is not granted due to lack of a current disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee disability, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD, and initial compensable ratings for anterior trunk scars and left lower extremity scars.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for GERD and migraine headaches due to incomplete STRs, lack of treatment records, and conflicting information regarding the nature of her scar. The Veteran will need to provide updated STRs, VA and private treatment records, and a medical examination to determine the etiology of her conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion in the January 2019 decision, and a new VA examination is needed.

The Veteran's hiatus hernia with GERD was first diagnosed during service and is considered a direct result of his military service.

The Veteran's GERD has been granted an initial rating of 30 percent, effective November 2, 2016. The Board found that the symptoms are productive of considerable impairment of health.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including acute gastroenteritis and GERD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms had their onset during her active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen these claims. The Veteran is now entitled to a full review of his claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a heart condition due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a facial skin condition, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

Service connection is granted for sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The right wrist disability rating appeal was dismissed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for GERD and an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) in the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is granted a 20% rating. The claim to reopen for service connection of sleep apnea is denied, and the claim for service connection of gastrointestinal disorder (GERD) is also denied.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's GERD may be related to her service-connected PTSD, but more evidence is needed to determine if this relationship exists and whether it constitutes aggravation beyond its natural progression.

The Board dismissed the appeals for a rating in excess of 30 percent for ischemic heart disease, service connection for right and left knee disabilities, low back disability, and hypertension.,The Board also dismissed the appeals for service connection for right and left foot disabilities. The appellant withdrew these claims at his September 2019 hearing.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in the previous VA opinion and the need for a supplemental opinion on whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his service, as well as if it is aggravated by service-connected rhinitis or GERD.

The Veteran's GERD/hiatal hernia, right shoulder disability, and diabetes mellitus are granted service connection. The Veteran's high blood pressure is granted a compensable rating. Service connection for other conditions remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient reasoning in the previous VA examiner's opinion regarding whether the Veteran’s obstructive sleep apnea is caused or aggravated by his service-connected GERD with hiatal hernia. The new decision requires a separate analysis for causation and aggravation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for revisions of rating decisions and service connection for various conditions, including gastroenteritis, gastritis with hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflex disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, lumbar spine disability, and sleep apnea. The cases are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and records.