GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for various conditions and disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ).

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for various conditions including loss of muscle mass, degenerative joint disease, blood disorder, respiratory disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorders all claimed as resulting from exposure to ionizing radiation. The decision was made due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's initial claims for increased ratings for DDD of the lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left foot pes planus with pronation, and GERD were denied.,For DDD of the lumbar spine, a rating in excess of 10 percent was denied prior to October 3, 2016, and since October 3, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of ligation and reimplantation of aberrant right subclavian artery has been reopened, but the appeal is remanded due to unclear determination regarding whether the condition existed prior to service. The Veteran's GERD with dyspepsia, IBS, sleep disturbance, hiatal hernia, and fundoplication claim remains in dispute and is also remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to outstanding treatment records from a United States Army health care center, as well as the need for VA examinations for his right knee disability and skin condition.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and substance abuse disorder as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorders. The heart disorder and IBS claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and tinnitus are reopened. The Board finds that new and material evidence has been received to support these claims, but the cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his lumbar and lower extremity conditions, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person. As a result, SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for low testosterone and lost libido, left knee degenerative joint disease, GERD, right knee meniscal tear, bilateral hearing loss disability, diabetes mellitus, and a dental condition. The issues of service connection for these conditions are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of GERD due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its onset and relationship to his military service.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer, post-operative with secondary gastroesophageal reflux, was restored to a 60 percent rating effective September 1, 2014. The TDIU claim is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for esophageal disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for allergic rhinitis is denied.,The claim for new and material evidence to reopen the claim for sleep apnea has been met, and the claim is reopened. Service connection for sleep apnea is granted.,Service connection for sleep apnea is granted as it is related to the Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis.,Rating in excess of 10 percent for allergic rhinitis is remanded due to inadequate treatment records.,Rating in excess of 10 percent for vertigo is remanded due to inadequate treatment records.,Rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD is remanded due to inadequate treatment records.,Entitlement to service connection for sinusitis is remanded due to inadequate treatment records.,Total disability rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) is remanded due to inadequate treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for GERD and remanded the claim of service connection for papillary thyroid carcinoma due to radiation exposure. The claims are currently pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, alone, were not of sufficient severity to render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment. Therefore, TDIU was denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and remanded the remaining issues including right and left elbow disabilities, lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, GERD with hiatal hernia, and sinusitis. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder has been granted. His migraine headaches have also been increased to 50 percent prior to June 6, 2019 and his GERD has been increased to 30 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for TBI, reopening of service connection claims for tinnitus and headaches, as well as service connection for various secondary conditions are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, and circadian rhythm sleep disorder. The appeals for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for GERD and a compensable disability evaluation for hemorrhoids have also been denied.