GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2022

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's acid reflux is granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis. Service connection for metatarsalgia is denied, while the Veteran's bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis are granted with a 10% rating effective April 19, 2018.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for acid reflux and hiatal hernia, as well as a stomach condition to include diverticulitis, finding that there is no evidence of chronicity of these conditions during or after service.

The Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service connection for a gastrointestinal condition, to include gastritis and GERD is granted. An initial 10 percent rating, but no higher, from January 16, 2008, for bilateral restless leg syndrome (RLS) is granted. A 10 percent rating, but no higher, from December 1, 2017, for peripheral neuropathy, bilateral lower extremities (external popliteal nerve) is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and residuals of a myocardial infarction, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and chronic gastritis, as well as secondary service connection for a stroke disability. These conditions are found to be aggravated by the Veteran's periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in the Arkansas Army National Guard from 1998 to 2016.

The Board denied service connection for Parkinson's disease due to herbicide exposure, but granted service connection for GERD secondary to a pre-existing hiatal hernia.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and confusion over separate appeals for direct service connection and secondary service connection. A new VA examination is needed to address the etiology of GERD, and the AOJ should merge the issues before returning them to the Board.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the Veteran's depression is at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.,Service connection for a throat disorder was dismissed as it is considered a symptom of the Veteran's service-connected GERD.

The Veteran's GERD is granted a 30 percent disability rating, with considerable impairment of health.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of his hypertension. The Board also notes that the Veteran's GERD and hypertension are not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no new and material evidence to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the addition of VA treatment records since the last Statement of the Case. The issues include service connection for an intestinal disorder, a skin condition, a disability manifesting as weight gain, and GERD.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development on issues including initial rating for GERD, service connection for OSA and TDIU.

The Veteran's stomach condition (GERD and gastroenteritis) and lower back condition have been granted service connection. SMC based on aid and attendance has also been granted from February 5, 2010 to May 8, 2013.

The Veteran's asthma and right ankle sprain status-post surgical repair claims are being remanded for additional examinations to determine the severity of these conditions. Other service connection claims, including those related to infections, mononucleosis, facial injuries, GERD, nausea, neurological disorders, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, bronchitis, conjunctivitis, and pharyngitis are also being remanded for additional examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as his esophageal stricture with dilations, need to be re-evaluated due to the possibility of worsening symptoms. The case is being remanded for a new examination.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including erectile dysfunction, headache, diabetes mellitus, type II, bilateral foot disability, skeletal arthritis, depression, muscle damage to left side, pelvis injury, bilateral eye disability, low back disability, TBI, right hip and knee disabilities, GERD, and bilateral kidney disability. The remand includes obtaining VA treatment records from 1988 to present and scheduling a new examination for the right hip.

The Board has denied service connection for a right knee condition and remanded the issue of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with her educational and occupational background prior to April 16, 2019.