GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD has been reopened and is granted. The appeal for service connection of an acquired psychiatric disability, to include depressive disorder, is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including removal of tonsils, cholesterol condition, catherization of male organ, decreased vision in both eyes, right-elbow torn ligament status post-surgery, right-elbow scar with keloid, dental condition, left-ear drum disorder, perforation of the tympanic membrane, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, sleep apnea, stomach condition with acid reflux (claimed as due to Gulf War), left ankle and right ankle degenerative arthritis, a disorder manifested by feeling tired with a lack of energy, vertigo, bilateral feet condition, right-heel bone spur, neck condition with limited mobility, sinus surgery with turbinate surgery, allergies, and breathing condition (claimed as due to smoke and fumes).

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims of service connection for various conditions, including dysmenorrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, bilateral ankle disability, carpal tunnel syndrome, left knee strain, right knee strain, restless legs syndrome, HPV, infertility, gallbladder surgery, tremors and spasms to face and hands, itching, pain, and scars, and VA medical treatment.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for her service-connected gastroparesis is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination. The AOJ must also obtain a separate evaluation for GERD if it is found to be distinct from gastroparesis.

The Veteran's sinusitis is granted a 30% rating, but no higher, for the period prior to May 9, 2018. The Board also remanded several other claims due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's small bowel obstruction, ulcer, and GERD are granted as service-connected.,Service connection is established for the Veteran's small bowel obstruction, ulcer, and GERD.

The Veteran's GERD is remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran’s hypertension, linked to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, is remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's left wrist disability, lumbar spine disability, and cervical spine disability are remanded for a VA examination to determine their etiology.,The Veteran's prostate cancer, potentially linked to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, is remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology. If service-connected, the bladder incontinence is also remanded for a VA examination to determine its etiology.,Prostate cancer may be secondary to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and/or prostate cancer.

The Veteran's hypertension and esophageal condition have been denied as not related to service or service-connected conditions. The Board has remanded the claim for an initial compensable rating for dermatitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for OSA, GERD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder) due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during service or relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to November 3, 2015 and September 14, 2008 for the grants of service connection for GERD and right knee strain have been denied.,The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed for both GERD and right knee strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and twisted esophagus, GERD are not related to his active service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board dismissed all appeals as the appellant died during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the death of the Appellant, as appellants' claims do not survive their death.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to December 31, 2014. From December 31, 2014, the criteria for TDIU were not met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory condition and an initial compensable rating for internal hemorrhoids are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the nature, etiology, and severity of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for a retrospective opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's GERD and Barrett’s esophagus.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral arm condition has been withdrawn. The Board finds that remand is warranted for the issues of service connection for back disability, hypertension, thyroid disability, tinnitus, sleep apnea, and GERD.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cerebrovascular accident, heart condition, kidney condition, testicular condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bilateral knee condition, and left lower and upper extremity paralysis have all been denied as there is no evidence of a direct link between these conditions and his military service.,The Veteran's service records were destroyed in 1973, making it impossible to establish any connection between the claimed disabilities and his active duty.