GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for common migraines and GERD were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's headaches did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 8100, as they occurred with less severity throughout the appeal period. For GERD, the Board determined that the symptoms did not more nearly approximate those warranting a 30 percent or higher disability rating under DC 7346. The Veteran's predominant symptoms were found to be related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is separate from GERD.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for various service-connected disabilities, finding no clear and unmistakable error in the original rating decisions.

The Board denied service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and a headache disorder, finding that the most probative evidence is against the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected digestive disability, specifically gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is rated at 60 percent effective October 1, 2020. He also received a grant for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's hypertension, CAD, and GERD have been remanded for further development due to the need for additional medical opinions on secondary service connection theories.,Service connection is being remanded for all three conditions as there are insufficient opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's GERD and hiatal hernia are granted an initial rating of 30 percent. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is also granted.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with acid reflux is currently rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The appeal for an increased rating is denied.,Service connection for Huntington's disease has been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between the condition and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for COPD, coronary artery disease, hypertensive vascular disease, and GERD due to a lack of evidence supporting these conditions during his period of active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, left wrist, right wrist, left hand, and right hand conditions due to insufficient examination opinions. The Veteran is not service-connected for GERD.

The Veteran's appeal is about the earlier effective date for service connection and/or compensation of esophageal stricture symptoms prior to September 24, 2014 based on a CUE in a December 2004 rating decision. The Board has decided that this matter should be remanded for further adjudication.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for GERD was denied. From November 13, 2017, a 30 percent rating is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, specifically GERD and hiatal hernia.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations and opinions to address whether the Veteran's right knee disability and GERD are related to service, with consideration of his lay statements.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and chronic sinusitis are remanded for further examination and analysis.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability was reopened and granted. The claims for toxic optic neuropathy, right hip osteonecrosis, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, muscle spasms of the neck, back, arms, fingers, legs and toes, seizure disorder, migraine headaches, right thigh disability, bone disorder, brain tumor, neurological disabilities of the upper extremities, and service connection for a left knee disability are all granted.,The Veteran's toxic optic neuropathy is secondary to his service-connected pain disorder and depression with history of self-medicating with alcohol. His right hip osteonecrosis is also secondary to his service-connected pain disorder and depression with history of self-medicating with alcohol. The bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, muscle spasms of the neck, back, arms, fingers, legs and toes, seizure disorder, migraine headaches, right thigh disability, bone disorder, brain tumor, neurological disabilities of the upper extremities are all secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's claims for GERD, hypertension, a back disability, and bilateral foot disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for GERD with Gilbert's syndrome is being remanded due to concerns about the adequacy of the VA examination, specifically regarding the consideration of medication effects on his symptoms.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals, and the Board dismissed the appeal due to the withdrawal.

The Board has remanded the claims for malignant melanoma, cataracts, GERD, hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss due to various issues with the evidence or need for additional examination.