GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for service-connected gastric ulcer with small bowel obstruction including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and residuals of vagotomy with pyloroplasty was denied. The Veteran's claim for TDIU as a result of service-connected disabilities is dismissed due to the full grant during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis is granted due to exposure in Southwest Asia. Service connection for left ear hearing loss, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or relationship to service. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 70% rating for the entire period on appeal, and he is now receiving TDIU from April 30, 2015 to January 30, 2018. He also received SMC at the housebound rate effective from April 30, 2015.

The Veteran's service connection claims for low back problems and sleep apnea, as well as his increased rating claim for dizziness/vertigo, are being remanded due to the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.,VA is required to schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to assess the nature and etiology of their claimed conditions.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted based on recent worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the remaining issues due to need for additional evidence and examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate statement of reasons and bases for the initial rating assigned for GERD. The Veteran's GERD is currently rated under DC 7346, which does not require all symptoms listed in DC 7305.

The Board has remanded the appeal for new VA medical opinions due to deficiencies in the previous examination reports, and requests that any future opinions be provided by another medical professional.

The Board denied service connection for testicular disability, GERD, and a disability manifested by blood in the urine due to lack of credible evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has found that there has not been substantial compliance with the prior February 2022 Board remand directives and a remand is necessary for all Veteran's claims on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's hypertension and skin disability have been granted service connection.,Service connection for a skin disability has also been granted. However, the Veteran's GERD is denied as there is no credible evidence linking it to his active service.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and ischemic heart disease are granted as service connected due to exposure to herbicide agents during active duty.,The Veteran's gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, right leg peripheral neuropathy, and neck arthritis are remanded for further examination and medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck, back, left knee, and right knee disabilities, as well as gastroesophageal disorder (GERD) and gastrointestinal disorder (IBS), due to missing STRs. The Veteran is also being asked to provide mental health treatment records.

The Veteran's functional lower-gastrointestinal disorder manifested by chronic diarrhea is granted as it is presumed to be related to Persian Gulf War service.,The upper-gastrointestinal disorder, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, and vomiting, is denied because the symptoms are due to a known clinical disease not related to service or a service-connected disability.,The respiratory symptoms are denied as they are attributed to known clinical diagnoses of chronic bronchitis, COPD, and adenocarcinoma (lung cancer), which are not related to service or a service-connected disability.,The skin symptoms are granted as they are attributed to urticaria, a description of symptoms without even a partially understood etiology and pathophysiology.

The Board has remanded the claims for PTSD and GERD due to insufficient retrospective opinions addressing relevant symptoms and their impact on personal relationships, as well as inconsistencies in reported symptoms. The Veteran is asked to provide all outstanding treatment records and a VA examination will be scheduled to address these issues.

The Veteran is granted a 30 percent rating for hiatal hernia with GERD effective February 3, 2016. The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for CKD is granted. The Board also remanded several other issues including the reopening of a diabetes mellitus claim, depression, and various other disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on PTSD, epicondylitis of the elbows, left knee strain with meniscal tear, and IBS with GERD are being remanded due to additional VA medical records that have not yet been reviewed by the AOJ.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The remaining issues have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's hepatitis C, GERD, diabetes mellitus II, gastrointestinal disorder, liver cancer, cirrhosis, and esophageal varices.