GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back disability and GERD have been remanded due to the need for further development of the evidence.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD were rated at 60 percent prior to October 1, 2013. After this date, the rating was reduced to 10 percent. The reduction from 60 percent to 10 percent is denied.

The Veteran's hearing loss has not been reassessed in over seven years, and he testified that his tinnitus is also a problem. Therefore, another VA examination is needed to assess the severity of his bilateral hearing loss and whether it causes or aggravates his tinnitus.,The Veteran contends that his GERD warrants a higher rating than 10 percent. The most recent examination was in December 2014, which does not account for his current symptoms such as vomiting and esophageal spasm. Another VA examination is needed to reassess the severity of his GERD.,The Veteran contends that he has esophageal spasm associated with his GERD. The most recent examination noted no esophageal spasm at all, but a private record from 2015 diagnosed him with OSA. An additional VA examination is needed to determine whether the esophageal spasm is related to his GERD or instead attributable to another condition.,The Veteran contends that he has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to loud snoring during service. The most recent STRs do not indicate any symptoms of OSA, and a private record from 2015 diagnosed him with OSA. An additional VA examination is needed to determine whether his OSA started in service or is related to another condition.,The Veteran contends that he has congestion, including asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis, which began during service. The most recent STRs do not indicate any symptoms of these conditions, but a private record from 2014 diagnosed him with allergic rhinitis. An additional VA examination is needed to determine whether his current condition is related to service or another condition.

The Veteran's claims for GERD, arthritis, and migraine disability are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The claim for a higher rating for asthma is also being remanded.

The Veteran's IBS with GERD is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board has remanded for further development regarding his residuals of dislocated left shoulder.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including bilateral hearing loss, various musculoskeletal conditions, and GERD. The Veteran was not provided with VA examinations or medical opinions regarding these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss in the right ear and digestive system disorder (other than GERD and hemorrhoids) due to undiagnosed illness has been granted. The bilateral leg disorder claim is still pending.

Your service connection for GERD has been granted, making the appeal moot.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate opinions and need for updated treatment records. The Veteran's GERD is being considered secondary to a service-connected disability, but there are issues with the current opinions regarding its etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding his claimed acquired psychiatric disorder, acid reflux, hypertension, and bilateral hip disorder. The Veteran will need to provide additional medical records and undergo VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's low back disability and his military service. The remaining issues are also being remanded as they are inextricably intertwined with the low back issue.

The Board has remanded the case for a new medical opinion regarding direct service connection and secondary service connection for GERD. The Veteran's claim is also being considered for aggravation or causation by his service-connected hypertension, myelogenous leukemia, or diabetes mellitus type II.

The Veteran's diverticulosis and diverticulitis were not caused or aggravated by his service, but GERD began during his active service.,Service connection is granted for GERD as it began in-service.

The Board has remanded several claims for additional development, including obtaining missing service records and verifying alleged exposure to chemicals. The Veteran's conditions include gastroesophageal disorder (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea, low back disorder, left ankle disorder, right ankle disorder, neck disorder, right shoulder disorder, and residuals of a head injury.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as her service-connected disabilities did not prevent her from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for back disability, neck disability, and hypertension prior to February 25, 2022 are denied.,There is no longer an issue of fact or law before the Board pertaining to whether the Veteran is entitled to a rating in excess of 40 percent for back disability from February 25, 2022. The claims are dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a respiratory disability and residuals of removal of the mandibular gland and uvula, all related to exposure at Camp Lejeune. Service connection was not granted for BCC, melanoma, kidney stones, GERD, or hypogonadism.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated as 10% disabling since November 14, 2014. The Board found that the evidence supported a compensable rating for this period but denied any higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with obtaining and considering medical records, as well as concerns about a previous VA medical opinion. The Veteran's GERD disability is being reviewed for an increased evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, chronic acid reflux (GERD), gout, hypertension, and right wrist disability due to potential issues with service connection based on National Guard duty.