GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's 30 percent rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease with esophagitis and hiatal hernia is restored. The Board found that the reduction was not proper as there was no evidence of an actual improvement in the Veteran’s ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not produce total occupational impairment prior to June 8, 2010. Therefore, the criteria for TDIU prior to that date are not met.

The Board has determined that additional records are needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection. The issues of lumbar spine disability, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, glaucoma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), vasectomy, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are being remanded to obtain additional records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, respiratory disability (chronic bronchitis), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), infection of the tonsils, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fatigue, hypertension, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, shin splints, hemorrhoids, retracted testicle, and low sex drive have been granted. Effective dates prior to February 13, 2018 for bilateral foot bunions and tinnitus are denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating and earlier effective date for GERD was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's GERD was granted an initial 30 percent disability rating, effective May 1, 2010. The Board found that the Veteran’s symptoms of persistent epigastric distress with nausea, heartburn, vomiting and regurgitation resulted in considerable impairment of health.

The Board has found that additional examinations are necessary to address the Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD and associated scars, as well as to determine if his hypoglycemia is related to these conditions. The issues of increased ratings for hiatal hernia with GERD and associated scars, TDIU, and SMC are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for GERD and a dental disorder secondary to GERD due to inadequate reasoning in the previous decision.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD may have worsened since his last examination, warranting a remand for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further examination. The issues include right knee, left ankle, right ankle, acid reflux (ulcer), and low back disorders.

Service connection for a lumbar spine disability, arthritis, gastrointestinal disability, and brain atrophy (as a residual of TBI) is denied.,The Veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the claim for GERD and hiatal hernia due to insufficient medical evidence addressing whether these conditions are caused or aggravated by service-connected PTSD and migraines. The Veteran's representative provided additional information in January 2021, suggesting a connection between GERD, hiatal hernia, and PTSD/migraines.

The Veteran's left and right leg shin splints are not manifested by at least slight knee or ankle disability, resulting in a denial of compensable ratings.,Throughout the period on appeal, the Veteran's GERD has been manifested by pyrosis and reflux, qualifying for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7346. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there are no symptoms meeting the criteria for a 30 or 60 percent rating.,Throughout the period on appeal, the Veteran’s bilateral pes planus symptoms in their totality reflect at worst moderate pes planus, qualifying for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5276. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there are no symptoms meeting the criteria for a 20 or 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease, tension headaches secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD/MDD) due to insufficient development or lack of nexus opinions.

The appeal for service connection for headaches has been dismissed. The appeals for sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and bilateral pes planus have been remanded.

The Veteran requested a personal hearing and informal conference regarding his service connection claims. The Board has not scheduled these hearings, so the case is being remanded to do so.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for incisional abdominal scars associated with GERD prior to January 3, 2013 was denied. A 20 percent rating was granted for painful surgical scars from January 3, 2013, to April 30, 2016. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating than 20 percent for the same scars since May 1, 2016 was denied. A TDIU prior to April 7, 2010, was also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional service treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to inadequate development of the record, including a lack of consideration of other diagnostic codes and additional VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the cases of GERD, toenail fungus, and TDIU due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for additional development.