GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's IBS and GERD have been rated at a maximum of 60 percent throughout the appeal period, with symptoms including frequent episodes of bowel disturbances, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, heartburn, and regurgitation.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine disability, sleep apnea, eye disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), vasectomy, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a stomach condition, to include gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and tension and/or migraine headaches. The evidence did not support an in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Veteran's hypertension has been granted service connection. The left trunk disability, hypothyroidism, and other conditions have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 6, 2018 for the grant of service connection for GERD was also denied.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for GERD status post esophageal diverticulotomy and Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication and IBS with lactase deficiency syndrome.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinion in an earlier VA medical examination, and another remand is required.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The main issues are related to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, and various other conditions such as right shoulder degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine strain, hip strains, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), positional vertigo, coccydynia, knee patellar tendonitis, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are being considered for their impact on these issues.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for GERD is granted. The Board has also remanded the issues of service connection for severe arthritis of the lower back, hypertension, a disorder of the bilateral shoulders, and left index trigger finger.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including Hirschsprung's Disease, GERD, colonic diverticulosis, and small bowel resection. The case will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer, post gastrectomy syndrome, bile reflux gastritis and hiatal hernia with GERD is granted a higher initial rating of 60 percent. Service connection for dysphagia is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder, combined with other service-connected disabilities, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from March 28, 2015. Therefore, the claim for SMC based on housebound status is granted as of that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its onset and relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.,The Veteran's hypertension is being reviewed as secondary to his major depressive disorder. The Board also needs an opinion regarding whether it is related to any medications prescribed for his service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's GERD and Barrett's esophagus are being reviewed as secondary to his major depressive disorder, but the need for a medical opinion on the relationship between these conditions and any medications prescribed for his service-connected disabilities remains unclear.,The Veteran's cold injury residuals of the right hand and left hand are still under review with a focus on whether they should be rated higher than 30 percent.,The Veteran's cold injury residuals of the right hand and left hand are still under review with a focus on whether they should be rated higher than 30 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to her service-connected thyroid cancer. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to her service or to her service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and a respiratory disability, as secondary to GERD. The issues are inextricably intertwined due to the overlap between the two conditions.

The Veteran's GERD and coronary artery disease (CAD) are both being remanded for further evaluation. The GERD requires a new VA examination to assess its severity, while the CAD needs an examination to determine if it is service-connected or aggravated by GERD.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at a minimum of 10 percent, but no higher, for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder with anxious distress and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), have resulted in impairment that precludes substantial gainful employment. The Board has determined that the criteria for TDIU are met.