GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for further action regarding his claim of entitlement to a TDIU. The Board finds that the evidence does not show he meets the schedular criteria for assignment of a TDIU, including on the basis of disabilities affecting a single body system (orthopedic), during the entire period on appeal.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA medical records, and the Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including acid reflux, GERD, and dysentery residuals, as well as an initial compensable rating for tinea versicolor, will be further developed.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal conditions, including GERD, esophageal stricture, and hiatal hernia, are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his service-connected PTSD or medications used for other disabilities.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Veteran's right shoulder, neck, left knee, and acid reflux conditions are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete records and the need to verify stressors and obtain medical opinions. The Veteran's Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits claim is also noted, but no SSA records are currently in the file.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for obesity, also claimed as hypothyroidism, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As a result, the Board dismissed these claims.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations provided were inadequate and remands the case for an addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's current gastrointestinal symptoms, including GERD and bowel-related symptoms, are related to his in-service food poisoning.

Service connection for tinnitus is granted.,Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as secondary to the service-connected major depressive disorder, is granted. The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome must be evaluated by a VA examiner.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for vertigo, gastrointestinal condition, and acid reflux due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives. New medical opinions are required.

The Veteran's service connection claims for GERD, hiatal hernia, esophagitis, gastritis, and a duodenal ulcer are granted. The claim for an undifferentiated somatoform disorder with insomnia is also granted. Service connection for kidney stones and ureteral stones with hematuria is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records, specifically a missing VA gastrointestinal examination report from July 2020. The Veteran's claim for service connection will be reconsidered with these additional records.

The Board has dismissed all the issues of entitlement to service connection for various conditions, including heart condition, lung condition (also claimed as asbestosis), sleep apnea, peripheral neuropathy, Barrett's Esophagus/gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis/celiac disease, and neurological effects (restless leg syndrome).

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is rated at 60 percent from April 23, 2009, to April 3, 2018.,The Veteran was granted a TDIU effective July 1, 2019.

The Board has remanded the case to provide a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's GERD is caused or aggravated by medications for his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and left ankle disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and diabetes mellitus type II, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has remanded the case for clarification of his employment history during the appeal period and for an opinion on the functional impairment caused by these conditions.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is not service-connected, as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or etiology related to his military service.,There is insufficient evidence to establish GERD as a current condition. The Veteran has reported symptoms but no formal diagnosis was found during the appeal period.,The Veteran's gastrointestinal conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion, given potential in-service exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for GERD is dismissed.,A 30 percent disability rating, but no higher, was granted for the service-connected posttraumatic migraine headaches before February 7, 2020. The Veteran is currently receiving the maximum allowable schedular rating for this condition.,For the period on appeal from February 7, 2020 onwards, a higher disability rating for the service-connected posttraumatic migraine headaches was denied.,A separate 10 percent disability rating, but no higher, was granted for left knee instability. The Veteran's left knee flexion is limited to no worse than 110 degrees with pain at full flexion and extension is to 0 degrees. There has been no evidence of ankylosis or semilunar cartilage dislocation.,Service connection was denied for the service-connected left shoulder, right shoulder, left hip, and right hip disabilities.,The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected posttraumatic migraine headaches is remanded. Service connection for TBI residuals as part of PTSD remains pending.,Service connection was denied for the service-connected left hip and right hip disabilities.,The matter regarding service connection for TBI residuals as part of PTSD is referred to the AOJ for clarification.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for gastrointestinal disorder and vestibular disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for GERD, stomach disorder, and OSA have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,Service connection for OSA was denied because there is no persuasive evidence that it began during service or is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for depression has been dismissed. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been granted. The remaining issues are being remanded due to lack of a current diagnosis or treatment.