GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2020

The appeal for service connection of multiple conditions has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection for GERD, including as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development.,The Board has denied higher disability evaluations for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease prior to May 12, 2014 and as of May 12, 2014.

The Board denied a compensable rating for esophageal stricture from May 3, 2013 due to the evidence not showing moderate or severe stricture.

The Veteran's initial rating for GERD with esophagitis was denied, but a TDIU from January 8, 2016 forward was granted. The GERD is rated at 10 percent and the PTSD results in a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for esophageal spasms and an earlier effective date, finding no evidence of stricture or need for dilatation. The TDIU claim was also denied as there is no credible evidence showing the Veteran is unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for respiratory, skin, and esophageal disabilities, finding that these conditions are not related to his in-service exposure to herbicide agents or any other in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate VA opinions and the need for additional medical records. The claims will be reconsidered with new evidence.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal condition, including hiatal hernia and GERD, as secondary to his service-connected COPD. The decision is based on evidence that raises a reasonable doubt regarding the relationship between the Veteran’s gastrointestinal condition and his service-connected COPD.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability (degenerative joint disease) and gastrointestinal disabilities (GERD and hiatal hernia). Effective from November 27, 2020, the Veteran will receive VA compensation benefits.,Effective dates have been set for each of these awards.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder and anxiety is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective from October 26, 2014. The other conditions have been granted secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete medical records and a need to obtain additional evidence from private providers.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a hiatal hernia and remanded the claims for gastrointestinal disability (including gastroenteritis, GERD) and breathing problems (allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis).

The Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including PTSD, back disorder, shoulder and knee disorders, GERD, skin condition, neck disorder, and allergic rhinitis were denied as they are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow any substantially gainful employment since September 27, 2012. Effective as of that date, he is granted a TDIU and basic eligibility for DEA benefits.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for acid reflux, which is secondary to his service-connected disabilities, has been remanded due to inadequate previous medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and examination, as the current evidence is insufficient to make a determination on the claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease and its relationship to service, specifically presumed exposure to asbestos and herbicides. The case needs further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran submitted a timely Notice of Disagreement (NOD) for multiple issues addressed in a December 2016 rating decision. The appeal is now REMANDED to issue an appropriate Statement of the Case (SOC).