GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal of his claim for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 50 percent and to a disability evaluation in excess of 70 percent from February 1, 2019, for service-connected PTSD with unspecified depressive disorder has been withdrawn. The Board also remanded several other issues including service connection claims for skin cancer and residuals, sleep apnea, vision disability, acid reflux, shin splints, right upper extremity ulnar nerve neuropathy, right shoulder degenerative joint disease, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis (now diagnosed as left shoulder strain), TDIU, and SMC.

The Board has granted service connection for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to the Veteran's in-service gastrointestinal symptoms, finding that the current GERD is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional clarification and evidence.

The Board has determined that the VA etiology opinions are inadequate and remands the claims for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for gastroesophageal disorder and squamous cell carcinoma of the vocal cords due to insufficient opinions regarding potential service connection based on asbestos exposure. The issues are being remanded again as they are intertwined.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination for the right ankle disability.

The Veteran's low back disability and GERD have been rated, but the Board has found that higher ratings are not warranted based on the evidence provided. The issues of rating higher than 20 percent for shoulder disabilities and rating higher than 10 percent for GERD from April 14, 2021 remain pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hidradenitis suppurativa, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and low back disorder due to incomplete service records and inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to April 9, 2014. From April 9, 2014, the Veteran is in receipt of a combined disability rating of 100 percent, which moots any TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for further examination. The issues of cervical spine disability, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease, and tinnitus are inextricably intertwined with the lumbar spine disability claim.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for high blood pressure and GERD, both secondary to PTSD, as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.

Service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, including plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus, and degenerative arthritis is granted.,A 30 percent rating for GERD is granted from January 26, 2016.

Service connection for anxiety is granted. Service connection for GERD and gastritis is remanded.

The Veteran's GERD is granted a 10 percent disability rating. The right shoulder disability remains at 20 percent. The acquired psychiatric disorder is granted a 50 percent rating from March 10, 2015 to October 20, 2020 and TDIU is granted prior to August 2, 2016.

The Board has remanded the cases of coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease with constipation for further development to address whether these conditions are secondary to service-connected disabilities or medications used to treat them.

The Veteran's urinary frequency, a complication of his diabetes, is granted a separate compensable rating. The other issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically failing to obtain private treatment records from Uvalde Family Practice Association and Dr. S. H. after 2019.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to a rating greater than 30 percent for bilateral pes planus and gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) due to outstanding VA or private treatment records, rescheduling of VA examinations, and compliance with legal requirements.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied multiple times, but reopened in September 2009. Effective dates prior to September 25, 2009 are being denied.,Effective dates for the awards of service connection have been assigned based on the date of receipt of congressional correspondence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux (ulcer) as there is no evidence showing a nexus between her current condition and military service.