GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, low back disability, erectile dysfunction, heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and allergic dermatitis as part of his increased rating claims. Additional evidence is needed to determine the severity of his migraines and bilateral knee conditions.

The Veteran is granted a higher rating for SMC under section 1114(o) and awarded two separate ratings of SMC based on loss of use of both feet due to service-connected peripheral neuropathy and need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for GERD, as it is unclear whether the Veteran's condition was caused or aggravated by his service-connected sleep apnea and hypertension.

The issue of entitlement to service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is dismissed without prejudice.,The issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent disabling for the period prior to April 4, 2017, and in excess of 40 percent disabling for the period thereafter, for service-connected residuals of low back injury with compression fracture of T11 and mild degenerative changes; entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) for the period prior to June 1, 2011 are remanded.,The issues of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, migraines, sinusitis, GERD, and bilateral athlete's foot are remanded.,,,,,

The Veteran's claims for various conditions, including PTSD and several musculoskeletal issues, are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent for the period prior to December 24, 2018 and denied any higher rating. The Board found that the symptoms of pyrosis, reflux, regurgitation, and shoulder pain met the criteria for a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was dismissed due to his request to withdraw the appeal. The appeals for service connection for GERD, IBS, tinea corporis (skin condition), fibromyalgia, a neurological condition (dizziness), tuberculosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are all remanded.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD, effective July 19, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder is found to have proximately caused her jaw disability. The claim for GERD remains remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS and GERD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are consistent with a qualifying chronic disability related to his service in the Persian Gulf War. The effective date is not specified as it was granted presumptively.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent effective February 2, 2021. The RO denied increased ratings for chronic sinusitis and GERD, but granted service connection for hypertension secondary to herbicide exposure and denied service connection for allergic rhinitis.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, but the claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of a back injury are remanded due to procedural issues.,Service connection is also remanded for the claim of service connection for a GI disorder including GERD and residuals of bowel obstruction.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for stomach disorder and tension/migraine headaches due to additional development being necessary.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his gastrointestinal conditions due to insufficient examination reports and the need for a retrospective medical opinion without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, including SIBO, IBS, and GERD is granted. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for Reiter's syndrome and TDIU.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of service connection for coronary artery disease was granted. Service connection for sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's GERD is at least as likely as not proximately due to or aggravated by NSAID use associated with his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for PTSD was denied as the intent to file a claim and the claim to reopen were filed after June 19, 2014.,TDIU is granted effective April 21, 2015. The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's GERD symptoms, including dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, have been found to be productive of considerable impairment of health. The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected GERD.

The Veteran's GERD with gastritis has been rated as 10 percent disabling, but the Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.