GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been rated at 30 percent since January 28, 2010. The Board found that the symptoms of GERD have not warranted a higher rating due to lack of severe impairment of health.

The Veteran's GERD and IBS have been granted an initial 30 percent rating, effective May 11, 2009. He was also granted entitlement to a TDIU prior to November 15, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations regarding his back pain, arthritis, PTSD, tinnitus, eye condition, and skin cancer.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than November 14, 2014 for service connection and increased ratings of various conditions. The assigned effective date is November 14, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to report for VA examinations. The claims are now pending and need further examination and medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current gastrointestinal disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The cases of gastroesophageal disability (GERD), lower respiratory disability (COPD and asthma), carpal tunnel syndrome, sinus disability, and hypertension are all remanded due to insufficient medical opinions addressing potential service connection.

The Board dismissed the claim of service connection for CTS of the left upper extremity. The Veteran's pes planus was granted as service connected.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS has been granted a 60 percent rating, the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 7346.

The Veteran's GERD is granted as secondary to his service-connected peptic ulcer disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the period prior to January 13, 2014.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a back disability and GERD due to inadequate medical opinions regarding aggravation. The Veteran will need new VA examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, other than PTSD (adjustment disorder) and gastroesophageal reflux disease are remanded. The Board also requires a VA examiner to determine if the adjustment disorder is related to his active duty service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and examination to determine if there is a link between the Veteran's current conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's GERD and IBS are rated at 30 percent, but a higher rating is not warranted due to the prohibition of separate ratings for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflex disorder and peptic ulcer disease, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, except for the period from September 30, 2020. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding his GERD claim, right knee instability, and TDIU prior to September 30, 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and insufficient medical evidence on file. The claims are now pending again.

The Veteran's PTSD with OCD is granted a rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's IBS with GERD is rated at a 60 percent disability rating, the highest possible under DC 7346. The decision grants this rating based on severe impairment of health due to symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, substernal pain, and incontinence.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, as he has remained employed as a truck driver throughout the appeal period.