GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2022

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder other than irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and gastritis, finding no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection for PTSD was granted. The issue of an increased rating and earlier effective date for GERD is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for sleep disturbance was dismissed as she withdrew her claim.,Service connection is granted for gastrointestinal disorders including GERD, diverticulosis, and IBS. The Board found these conditions are related to service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.

The Veteran's ulcerative colitis with GERD and anemia are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Veteran testified that his disability picture may have evolved and worsened. The Board is requesting updated treatment records and a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus, and hiatal hernia due to insufficient opinions provided in prior VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development, including medical examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for migraine headaches, GERD, dermatitis or eczema of the elbows, left knee disability, and right thumb disability as they are not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and a skin condition (variously diagnosed as acne and folliculitis) have been granted. The Board found that there is sufficient evidence to establish a link between the conditions and active service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as at least as likely as not related to her active military service.,The claims for back, right foot, left foot disabilities and GERD are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and review due to deficiencies in previous examinations, particularly regarding the nature and severity of service-connected GERD over the claim period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) as his employment with the United States Postal Service was considered to be in a protected environment and he earned more than marginal income.

The Veteran's jaw disability claim is denied as there is no diagnosed condition.,Prior to June 27, 2022, the low back disability was rated at 10 percent. From June 27, 2022, a 20 percent rating is granted.,The GERD with status post right inguinal hernia repair claim remains pending as there are no compensable ratings assigned prior to June 27, 2022.,Service connection for the left eye disability must be remanded due to lack of a statement of the case (SOC).,Prostate cancer (adjudicated as cramps and pain in the testicles) claim is pending as there are no compensable ratings assigned prior to June 27, 2022.,Service connection for skin disability of the feet and face remains pending due to lack of a statement of the case (SOC).,Heart disability (adjudicated as chest pain) claim must be remanded due to lack of a statement of the case (SOC).,Right carpal tunnel syndrome claim is pending as there are no compensable ratings assigned prior to June 27, 2022.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for COPD, hypertension, GERD, CAD, a psychiatric disability, a sinus disability, and a right wrist disability. The remand also includes an inquiry into potential herbicide agent exposure in Korea.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's LLE radiculopathy is denied as not service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral foot condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's memory loss is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's bilateral shoulder condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's bilateral elbow condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis (claimed as a respiratory condition) is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's bilateral knee condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's OSA is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are remanded for further evaluation and determination of their etiology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his mental health disorder and irritable bowel syndrome with GERD, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment as of June 28, 2021. As a result, the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective from that date.

The Board has granted service connection for a skin disorder, to include a disability of the lymphatic system. The claims for right and left knee disabilities, gastrointestinal disability, respiratory disability, and cardiac disability are remanded.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for acid reflux and residuals of a heat stroke were granted. The right index finger disability claim was denied, while the left index finger disability claim is remanded.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction and remanded other claims due to insufficient evidence. The remaining issues are also remanded as new VA examinations are needed.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sinusitis, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's right and left shin splints have been granted service connection as they are related to medical findings of bilateral shin splints during his ACDUTRA.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection due to concurrent receipt of VA disability compensation and active service drill pay, finding that the evidence did not support his assertion that he did not receive drill pay during fiscal years 2014 and 2015.