GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for service connection are granted for left ear hearing loss, headaches secondary to PTSD, GERD with Barrett's esophagus, and a deviated septum. The claim for right ear hearing loss is denied. Service connection is also granted for a left shoulder disability and asthma. Other issues remain pending.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection of a hiatal hernia as moot because it is encompassed by already service-connected conditions (IBS, hepatitis B, and GERD).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his right knee, PTSD and alcohol abuse, episodic, GERD, cervical spine spondylosis, and degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine disabilities are being remanded due to inadequate development. The Veteran will be scheduled for examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, acid reflux, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to inadequate addendum opinions from previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's GERD was rated as noncompensably disabling prior to August 28, 2014. As of August 10, 2013, a rating of 30 percent for GERD is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to incomplete service treatment records and personnel records. The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions, including high cholesterol, back problems, gout of the ankles, sinusitis, acid reflux, carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrists, and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal cancer due to in-service asbestos exposure. The AOJ is instructed to obtain opinions from appropriate clinicians regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s conditions, including a discussion of the clinical significance of an NCI Fact Sheet.

The Veteran's symptoms are accounted for by diagnosed conditions, and there is no basis for service connection based on undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, but remanded the issues of bilateral foot disability and esophageal disability (GERD and Hiatal Hernia). The Veteran's current symptoms are attributed to nonservice-connected disorders.

The Veteran's GERD symptoms do not more closely approximate the next higher rating of 60 percent, as they are manifested by gastritis, pain, occasional vomiting, and mild anemia without melena.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS and spastic colitis is rated at 30 percent, effective October 14, 2020. The higher initial rating for his knee conditions remains in appellate status.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings on several conditions was dismissed. The right arm furuncle received a 10% rating, and the obstructive sleep apnea remains at 50%. The Veteran’s TDIU claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a supplemental opinion regarding whether the Veteran's GERD is secondary to his service-connected major depression and psychotic disorder.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD have not been evaluated for extraschedular consideration, and a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for heart disabilities, gastroesophageal disabilities, and erectile dysfunction due to incomplete development. The VA is required to provide additional examinations and opinions regarding direct and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's claims for obesity, colitis, asthma, and a sleeping disorder other than sleep apnea were denied. The claim for TDIU was also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for an eye disability, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and erectile dysfunction (ED) due to insufficient medical opinions on their etiology. The Veteran's assertions of in-service injury are consistent with his combat service, but a VA examination is needed to determine if his current conditions are related to his service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection and secondary service connection for various conditions, including type II diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, coronary artery disease, diabetic retinopathy, depressive and anxiety disorders with insomnia, chronic anemia, and GERD. The effective dates are not specified as the appeal is based on reopening of previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a duodenal ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and diverticulitis due to new evidence received after the original denial in February 1973. The Veteran argues that these conditions are related to his preexisting duodenal ulcer.