GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2022

The Board granted an initial 10 percent rating for hiatal hernia and GERD, effective from November 1, 2002. The decision found that the Veteran's symptoms have been manageable with medication since at least 2005.

The Veteran's heart disability resulted in dyspnea and fatigue, warranting a 100 percent rating. The issues of service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease with valvular heart disease and atrial fibrillation, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is found to be the primary cause of his current GERD and mechanical back pain syndrome, which are now granted for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered individually, do not preclude him from engaging in gainful employment. Therefore, a TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder with anxious distress, lumbar spine disability, painful scars of the right knee, hypertension, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since October 30, 2017.

The Board has decided to remand several claims for further development and consideration, including those related to migraines, right and left carpel tunnel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), back pains and low back strain, and flatfeet.

The Board has dismissed the TDIU rating issue and remanded the gastrointestinal disorder claim for further development, including a medical examination.

The Veteran's hypertension, asthma, and GERD are presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam. The claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted as new and material evidence has been received.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he has been employed in various jobs and continues to work at a fish market. The Board denied the claim for TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand four issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including a rating for IBS with GERD and left foot contusion. The decision also notes that further examination is needed for right hand tendonitis and left knee disability.

The Veteran's GERD has been manifested by infrequent episodes of epigastric distress; dysphagia; pyrosis; reflux; regurgitation; pain in the substernal, arm, and shoulder; and sleep disturbances more than 4 times per year lasting between 1 and 9 days. The Board denied an evaluation greater than 10 percent for GERD.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, heart condition, and headache condition due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's duodenitis with GERD was rated at 20 percent prior to September 19, 2012; 40 percent from September 19, 2012 to November 13, 2014; and 60 percent thereafter. The Board denied increased ratings for the periods in between.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with associated GERD has been granted a rating of 60 percent from March 15, 2009. The issue of entitlement to TDIU related to the hiatal hernia and GERD is being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to deficiencies in the adequacy of VA examinations and failure to obtain private treatment records.

The Veteran's GERD and irritable colon disorder are granted, but the service connection for these conditions is remanded due to a lack of medical examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for asthma and GERD service connection due to a lack of VA examination, and to consider if his current conditions are related to his military service. The Veteran is also asked to undergo an examination to assess the severity of his GERD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete service treatment records and inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's representative raised additional theories of service connection, which must be addressed on remand.

The Board has dismissed the legacy appeals regarding higher ratings for service-connected right and left knee disabilities. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for GERD is remanded due to a lack of recent VA examination.