GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10% and denied a higher rating.,Prior to August 15, 2016, the Veteran's neuritis of the right lower extremity was rated at 10%, but granted a 20% rating since that date.

The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome, acid reflux disease, and migraine headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal disease (GERD), finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during active duty. Service connection was denied for hypothyroidism due to lack of evidence linking it to active duty.

The Veteran's GERD and DFVD were denied service connection due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The skin disorders are being remanded for further evaluation.,Service connection is not granted for the Veteran's DFVD or skin disorders as there is no direct link to his military service, and the claims have been remanded.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation greater than 10 percent for service-connected GERD under the legacy appeal system due to her opting into the modernized review system in July 2019.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his exposure to contaminated water and herbicides during active duty, as well as an in-service injury. The VA is instructed to provide addendum opinions from a clinician regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's initial ratings for CFS and IBS with GERD are denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to comply with previous remand instructions and duty to assist requirements. The Veteran's claim for service connection for stomach disorders, including ulcers, is now pending again.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for GERD.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 21, 2004 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's combined disability rating was at least 70 percent since July 21, 2004.

The Veteran's PTSD was aggravated by active service and is considered service-connected.,The Veteran's schizoaffective disorder began during active service and is considered service-connected.,The Veteran's prostate cancer is related to exposure to herbicide during service and is considered service-connected.,The Veteran's GERD began during active service and is related to exposure to herbicide during service; the hiatal hernia was most likely aggravated by military service and is considered service-connected.,The Veteran's back disability is related to an in-service injury and is considered service-connected.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for panic disorder was granted, but her claims for GERD and uterine fibroids were denied.,The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection for headaches (secondary to service-connected tinnitus) is pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, glaucoma, and bronchitis are being remanded due to the need for additional development. His GERD rating is also being remanded as his last VA examination was in February 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder, GERD, and OSA due to their relationship with his service-connected PTSD. The VA opinions must be revised to use the correct standard of aggravation (any increase in disability) rather than 'beyond the natural progression'.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right foot disability, acid reflux, neck disability, and heart disability due to incomplete information regarding her Reserve service duty status.

The Board denied service connection for a right ear disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder. Service connection was granted for acid reflux disease (GERD).,Service connection for a low back disorder remains denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions did not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis are not related to service, including herbicide exposure or an in-service lightning strike. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.,The Veteran's GERD is also not related to service, specifically his presumed herbicide exposure. The claim for this condition is remanded for further clarification.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding whether GERD is related to service-connected amebiasis and for consideration of TDIU based on a single disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete examination and lack of compliance with previous remand instructions. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, is being reviewed again for service connection.