GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU from November 1, 2014 to March 2, 2016 is dismissed as moot because he is already receiving a combined 100% disability rating.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS and diarrhea is rated at 30 percent from March 2, 2020. The claim for a higher rating prior to that date was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7346. The claim for a compensable rating for HTN was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical records and a new VA examination. The Veteran's claim is still pending as it relates to his hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for gastrointestinal disorders, including GERD and gastritis, finding that they pre-existed his active-duty service but were aggravated by it.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD is now rated at 30 percent effective July 7, 2016.,For the period prior to July 7, 2016, the Veteran's GERD was not compensably disabling.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a back disorder and gastrointestinal disorder including GERD, as well as whether PTSD aggravated the gastrointestinal disorder. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions regarding these issues.

The Board has granted service connection for gastrointestinal diseases, right eye choroidal melanoma, and skin cancer (BCC and SCC). However, the Veteran's claim for additional skin conditions remains pending.

The Veteran's GERD with Barrett's esophagus did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it did not manifest in symptoms such as persistent recurring epigastric distress, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia. The Board found that the Veteran's condition was stable and relieved by medication.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and compensation were dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional evidence and further consideration.

The Veteran's GERD, hiatal hernia, and esophagitis are granted as secondary to his service-connected low back disorder. The psychiatric disorder is also granted as secondary to the service-connected low back disorder.

The Veteran's GERD and tension headaches are not service-connected as they did not manifest within one year of discharge.,Fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome were also not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a nexus to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastrointestinal, muscle tear, arthritis of all joints, and bilateral cataracts disabilities. The decision found no current diagnoses or evidence linking these conditions to service, including exposure to radiation and herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for asthma, sinusitis, and GERD secondary to his service-connected COPD are being remanded due to the need for further development of evidence.

The Veteran's tension headaches and GERD have been granted a 30 percent rating effective October 1, 2011. The Board found the evidence at least in equipoise as to the severity of her conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for reactive airway disease, GERD, CAD, and hypertension are remanded due to the submission of new evidence after a previous denial. The Board finds that VA must readjudicate these claims as they may be related to exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) during service.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of GERD due to inadequate opinions provided in a previous examination. The Veteran's long-term use of medications during service, including tetracycline, is being evaluated as a potential cause or aggravation of his GERD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, cervical spine disability, and lumbar spine disability have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for asthma has been denied as there is no evidence showing the condition started during his service or is related to his service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for prostate cancer and penile condition due to herbicide exposure have been remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD remains pending, with a need for new and material evidence. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD also has been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as his claim for service connection for hypertension. The Veteran will need to undergo new examinations, and additional VA treatment records must be obtained.