GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2021

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between his current GERD and his period of active service.

The Veteran's appeals for carpal tunnel syndrome, right upper extremity; carpal tunnel syndrome, left upper extremity; and dental disorder have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.,The Veteran's appeals for gastroesophageal disorder (including Barrett's disease and acid reflux); back disorder; bilateral foot disorder (Morton's neuroma, metatarsalgia, and hallux rigidus); and right shoulder disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including left clavicle disorder and TMJ dysfunction. The remaining issues are related to rhinitis, right gastrocnemius muscle injury, migraine headaches, and an abdominal disorder.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's diagnosed stomach condition is related to his period of service and whether it was caused or aggravated by any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinea pedis was denied as there were no current or historical diagnoses of the condition.,A 50 percent rating, but no higher, prior to March 20, 2017, for PTSD was granted. The Veteran's symptoms since March 20, 2017 did not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's GERD with gastritis disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has granted an increased rating to 30 percent, which meets the criteria for this rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and disability ratings for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, left knee issues, PTSD, TMJ, tinea versicolor, hemorrhoids, GERD, and pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's appeals for separate disability ratings for his tibia and knee disabilities, as well as a GERD rating, are being remanded due to insufficient information in the record. The Board requests new examinations to ensure the severity of these conditions is accurately assessed.

The Veteran's GERD was granted an increased rating to 30 percent effective March 22, 2016. Prior to that date, the condition was rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings for various disabilities require additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 30 percent since September 15, 2009. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted as the symptoms do not meet the criteria for a 60 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for hearing loss was denied. The Board also found that there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for acid reflux disorder, colon disorder, stomach disorder, and skin disorder (melanoma and associated scarring).

The Veteran's IBS with GERD is characterized by alternating diarrhea and constipation with cramping that precedes his bowel movements, representing more or less constant abdominal distress. The Board granted a 30 percent rating for the condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records and the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and requesting further clarification from the Veteran regarding his treatment at various facilities. The focus of the remand is on determining whether the Veteran's current digestive disorders are related to service or secondary to other conditions.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 30% since March 8, 2005. The Board granted a 60% rating for the period from August 1, 2018, finding that his symptoms are productive of considerable impairment of health.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, right ankle disability, neck disability, and GERD are not service-connected. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for COPD, GERD, esophagitis, and asthma due to ambiguity in diagnoses and need for clarification on etiology. The Veteran is requested to undergo further examinations by a pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, and possibly an otolaryngologist.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus his claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, to include GERD, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic gastrointestinal condition during active service or within one year after separation. The most probative medical opinions concluded that any current gastrointestinal disability did not have its onset in service.