GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not require the regular aid and attendance of another person at any point during the period on appeal, thus his claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, back, shoulder, ankle, foot, hip, fibromyalgia, acid reflux with nausea, erectile dysfunction, and chronic fatigue syndrome have been denied as new and relevant evidence has not been presented to support these claims.,Specifically, the Board found that there is no medical evidence linking any of these conditions to service or any other related factors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for GERD, a skin disability, sinusitis, and heart disability due to presumed exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is not service-connected as it did not begin during active service and there is no evidence of a nexus to an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted as the disability was shown as chronic during a presumptive period and is not attributable to intercurrent causes.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids are not service-connected as he has not had them at any time during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.,Service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, acid reflux disability, low back disability, left hip disability (secondary to a low back disability), and right hip disability (secondary to a low back disability) is remanded as there are inextricably intertwined issues with pes planus that need further clarification.,Service connection for pes planus is remanded as the examiner must provide an opinion on whether it was worsened beyond its natural progression during service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that there was no evidence of a link between his current diagnosis and active service, including due to service in Southwest Asia. The decision is based on the lack of medical treatment records and conflicting lay history.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with its previous remand directives and the claim for service connection for GERD must be remanded again.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including GERD. The evidence did not support a finding that his current condition was related to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's right inguinal hernia and gastrointestinal condition (GERD). The case will be readjudicated after any necessary development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for GERD with IBS, a higher rating for GERD with IBS beginning March 2, 2022, and TDIU due to service-connected conditions prior to July 6, 2017. The AOJ is required to obtain additional medical records, conduct further development regarding the Veteran's employment status, and schedule an examination for a gastroenterology specialist.

The Veteran's clothing allowance claims for Menthol/M salicylate cream and a lumbosacral corset (back brace) in 2017 were denied as the evidence did not show that these items tended to wear or tear his outer garments.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation throughout the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and GERD. The decision is based on direct service connection due to the Veteran's in-service stressors.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain complete blood count laboratory records that are referenced in the Veteran's VA treatment records. The Veteran is required to provide these records or submit medical evidence and clinical records to support his claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence showing he is unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment despite his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to incomplete development and the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia (abnormal fat disposition), hypertension, glucose intolerance, anemia, left ventricular hypertrophy, fatty liver disease, splenomegaly, right groin muscle strain, RLE varicose veins, LLE varicose veins, and RLE venous insufficiency are all being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for erectile dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), fibromyalgia with joint pain and daily discomfort, and a foot disability to obtain additional medical opinions. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are believed to be related to his current conditions.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is granted a 10 percent rating, and her GERD is granted a 30 percent rating. The right hip condition remains at the current 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for arthritis of joints other than the right shoulder and a GI disorder are being remanded due to new evidence and need further examination.

The Veteran's right ankle sprain, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are all granted. However, the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed for service connection on issues related to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), headaches, left knee disorder, left thumb scar, and joint pain.