GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and potential service connection based on Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as due to herbicide exposure. The issues of entitlement to service connection for vertigo, anemia, obstructive sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are remanded for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hypertrophy, memory disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, lumbar spine disability (chronic low back pain), chronic cervical strain, allergic rhinitis, gastrointestinal disabilities, colon diverticulosis, and degenerative joint diseases of multiple joints. The Board found no evidence to support service connection for any of these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a sinus disorder, denied compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis and GERD with IBS, and denied increased ratings for GAD with bruxism and ADHD. The Veteran's GAD with bruxism and ADHD was granted a 30 percent rating from July 20, 2020 to December 22, 2020.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine, low back, respiratory (shortness of breath), and gastrointestinal disabilities due to inadequate medical opinions in previous examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claims for service connection for hypertension, GERD, Barrett's esophagus, kidney disease stage 1, and cirrhosis of the liver as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus type II. The issues of service connection for kidney stones and entitlement to a TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted, effective February 18, 2013. He is now receiving SMC at the housebound rate, effective October 16, 2013.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss and a respiratory disability (to include COPD) to be further evaluated due to insufficient evidence in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for IBS, ulcer condition, and an increased rating for GERD.

The Veteran's GERD symptoms, including a chronic cough and acid reflux, are believed to have manifested during his service in Afghanistan. The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to conflicting evidence regarding the etiology of the condition.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia and esophagitis is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 60 percent, effective June 10, 2022.

The Veteran's initial ratings for GERD and Right Upper Lobe and Frontal Lobe Stroke were denied. The Veteran was awarded a 30 percent rating for GERD, effective September 17, 2010.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for GERD and Barrett's esophagus, which he claims are due to his service-connected obstructive sleep apnea. The Board has ordered an addendum opinion to address whether these conditions are secondary to his sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding his gastrointestinal disability, including GERD and diverticulitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for anxiety disorder, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right hamstring disability, and left hamstring disability must be remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected left ankle degenerative joint disease (recharacterized) is rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2014. The Board finds that the Veteran meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for esophageal disorder and duodenal ulcer, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is rated at the highest possible level (100%), and his GERD is denied. The lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy are all granted with specific ratings.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to the Veteran's failure to report to scheduled VA examinations. The issues of service connection for headaches and gastroesophageal reflux disease are being remanded for additional medical opinions based on review of the record.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's diagnosed GERD and OSA, as well as their relationship to service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that her service-connected conditions alone do not render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.