GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral chronic ear infections is denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis and bilateral heel spurs are denied as the evidence does not support a connection to service.,Service connection for plantar fasciitis is denied due to lack of current diagnosis. The Veteran's heel spurs are found not connected to any period of service.,GERD is remanded as there is insufficient evidence regarding its onset and relationship to service.,Right wrist condition is remanded as the VA records do not support a connection to service, despite the Veteran's testimony and history.,Lumbar spine condition is remanded due to lack of sufficient medical evidence connecting it to service.

The Veteran's appeals for a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the medical evidence did not support a higher rating, as there was no evidence of considerable impairment to health due to GERD. For TDIU, the Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for total disability based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for postherpetic neuralgia of the 9th cranial nerve involving the right ear was granted with a 10 percent evaluation effective August 13, 2020. The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's chronic costochondritis is granted a 20 percent initial rating, effective from the date of the decision.,The Veteran's GERD with antral gastritis is denied for higher than 30 percent evaluation beginning November 8, 2016.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, including right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, is granted as secondary to his service-connected cervical degenerative disc disease.,Service connection for right lower and left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy (previously characterized as muscle pain) is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for deviated nasal septum with sinusitis, obstructive sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The right eye disability claim was denied. Service connection for liver disability is remanded.

The Veteran's TBI, headaches, GERD, and right thumb arthritis are granted. The lower extremity radiculopathy claims are remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, hypertension, prostate condition, and left eye condition due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran also had his PTSD disability rating increased but is still seeking higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding opinions on whether the Veteran's sleep apnea was caused by his service-connected disabilities. The case is now remanded for additional medical opinions.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for the following claims: whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for a sleep disability, entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability, entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral myositis and lumbar disc degeneration, entitlement to a compensable rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee tendonitis. The claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since October 7, 2014.,The Veteran is currently entitled to a TDIU rating on a schedular basis effective September 8, 2015. However, his case was remanded for additional development regarding service connection for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's GERD, hiatal hernia, Barrett's esophagus, and adenocarcinoma of gastric cardia are being remanded for additional medical opinions to determine if they are related to his military service, specifically herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent, and the Board has decided to remand for further development due to conflicting symptoms attributed to multiple conditions.

The Veteran's total disability due to individual unemployability is granted, and his gastrointestinal disorder (including GERD and gastritis) is rated at 30 percent. The latter condition meets the criteria for a 30 percent rating under DC 7346.

The Board has dismissed all appeals for rating increases and service connection claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chest pains and a gastric condition, including GERD. The evidence does not support a finding of current disability related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder and GERD have been found to aggravate her obstructive sleep apnea, warranting a grant of service connection for OSA as secondary.,A rating of 70 percent is granted for the Veteran's depressive disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, acid reflux, and Helicobacter Pylori infection. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricable link with the gastrointestinal disability claim.

The Veteran's urethral stricture continues to be rated at 30 percent prior to July 26, 2021 and at 40 percent after that date.,The claim for service connection for esophageal acid reflux has been reopened due to new evidence provided by the Veteran.