GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's GERD and IBS disabilities are inadequate due to failure to consider the Veteran's self-medication during service. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, to include GERD, as it is not secondary to his service-connected disabilities and is not otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's initial evaluation for back strain with degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine was granted at a 40 percent rating from April 21, 2021. The initial evaluation for GERD prior to February 28, 2018, remains unchanged at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's back disability is rated at 10 percent from September 4, 2004 to January 7, 2016 and a 20 percent rating thereafter. The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected back disability beginning July 28, 2008.,The Veteran's GERD is rated at non-compensable from September 4, 2004 to January 7, 2016 and a 30 percent rating thereafter. The Board has granted an increased rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected GERD beginning September 26, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, PFB, left knee disability, right knee disability, sleep apnea, IBS, acid reflux disability, hemorrhoids, low back disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, pes planus, left foot disability, right foot disability, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability. The issues of service connection for these conditions are REMANDED.

The Veteran's hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II are granted as presumptively related to service due to herbicide exposure. Service connection is also granted for left knee, right knee, and lower back conditions, all presumed to be caused by herbicide exposure. The esophageal condition (GERD) is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for cerebellar ataxia, prostate cancer, kidney stones, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea due to outstanding VA treatment records that need to be obtained.

The Veteran's OSA, GERD, and left ear hearing loss have been granted service connection. Higher ratings for the lumbar strain, radiculopathy of sciatic nerve (right and left lower extremities), right femoral nerve impairment, and cervical strain with intervertebral disc syndrome are denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disorder, including GERD, has been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that his current condition is related to service or any service-connected disability.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for scars of face, residuals of PFB, has also been denied. The VA examiner found no visible or palpable tissue loss and asymmetry of facial features.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records and decisions for the Veteran. The case is being remanded so these records can be obtained.

The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous directives and another remand is required. The Veteran's esophageal condition, including GERD and hiatal hernia, is being reviewed for direct service connection.

The Veteran's cataracts were denied as the evidence did not show that they began during service or are related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The chloracne was granted as it became manifest within one year of his separation from service and is presumed due to herbicide exposure.,Asbestosis and COPD were both denied as there was no evidence showing that the conditions began during service or are related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD, throat disorder, and neck disorder may be related to his service in Vietnam. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, respiratory conditions, status post-lobectomy residuals, sinus condition, corneal ulcers, GERD, erectile dysfunction, and testosterone deficiency due to their potential secondary nature to his respiratory condition. The appeals are pending further VA examination and/or medical opinion.

The Veteran's hypertension was rated as 10 percent disabling, and the claim for an increased rating is denied.,Prior to August 16, 2020, the Veteran's GERD was rated as non-compensable. From August 16, 2020, a higher rating of 10 percent is granted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to provide the Veteran with an in-person VA examination to assess the severity of his hiatal hernia with GERD.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, sleep apnea, and hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected IHD or psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. He was granted a 50% rating for chronic sinusitis from November 20, 2017 onwards and a 10% rating for GERD throughout the appeal period. His claim for muscle contraction headaches prior to January 15, 2019, was also granted a 30% rating. However, his right ring finger status post fracture claim was denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and dysphagia due to a need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD throughout the appeal period, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation.