GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2021

Service connection for GERD is granted, effective September 19, 2008.,Effective date of service connection for urethral stricture is set at September 19, 2008.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was granted in a rating decision issued by the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) in August 2021. The Board dismissed this claim as there remains no justiciable case or controversy with respect to it.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, and other disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.,Service connection was not granted for any of the claimed disabilities due to lack of medical evidence showing a relationship with service.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to specific dates are being remanded due to procedural issues and lack of formal or informal claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, stomach pains, acid reflux due to asthma, esophagus damage (difficulty swallowing), hypertension, and heart condition have been denied as secondary to service-connected asthma. The RO found no evidence of these conditions during or after service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for stomach pain has been denied because there was no diagnosed condition related to the claimed symptoms.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn, resulting in the dismissal of all claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives, particularly regarding the nature and etiology of his gastrointestinal condition. The AOJ is required to obtain an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has remanded the claims for acid reflux, sinusitis, lumbar spine disability, bilateral shin splints, and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome due to insufficient evidence in the service treatment records.

The Veteran's sinusitis, GERD, and knee disabilities are found to have onset during service. Service connection is granted for sinusitis. The issues of service connection for GERD, hypertension, right knee disability, and left knee disability are remanded due to incomplete service records.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hip disorder, GERD, and IHD due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension due to herbicide exposure. The esophageal condition, including GERD and hiatal hernia, is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for narcolepsy with cataplexy is denied as there is no current disability. The Board finds the preponderance of evidence against this claim.,Service connection is granted for right ear hearing loss due to aggravation during active duty, but not related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and skeletal arthritis all joints claims are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's GERD and erectile dysfunction claims are denied as the preponderance of the evidence does not support their onset during service or being related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II, depression, hypertension, bilateral eye conditions, bilateral hip condition, bilateral knee condition, and bilateral foot condition claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions obtained were not from physicians, and thus did not comply with the remand directives. The case is being returned to obtain a new examination by a physician.

The Board has granted service connection for disability manifested by diarrhea, due to an undiagnosed illness and GERD. The Veteran's symptoms have persisted since service and are considered presumptively service-connected under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1117.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder, along with other disabilities rated at least 60 percent disabling, qualifies him for TDIU and SMC based on housebound status from March 25, 2011. However, he does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's claimed conditions and his presumed exposure to herbicides during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cords and gastroesophageal disorder, including GERD, hiatal hernia, and Barrett's esophagus, due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The AOJ must verify any potential asbestos exposure during service and obtain medical opinions regarding the likelihood that these conditions are related to such exposure.

The Board has denied the claims for service connection for GERD, a neck condition, unspecified arthritis, and unspecified flexor tenosynovitis as there is no evidence of these conditions in service or within one year after service. The preponderance of the evidence does not support any of these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of evidence regarding the Veteran's functional limitations and ability to work. The case will be returned for further review.