GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2022

The Board has denied service connection for deviated septum, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma. The claim for GERD is remanded as the VA examiner did not address the November 1973 VA treatment record indicating a history of gastrointestinal complaints since 1971.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent since December 23, 2019. The earlier effective date of May 1, 2015 for the 30 percent rating assigned for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine has been granted.,The Veteran's left and right shoulder disabilities are each currently rated at 20 percent since the appeal period began on May 1, 2015. The initial ratings in excess of these percentages have not been met.

The Board granted a disability rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's service-connected GERD, as the symptoms were found to be productive of considerable impairment of health.

The Board has granted service connection for gastrointestinal condition, claimed as digestive problems, diverticulosis, and large intestine and bowel issues, and GERD. The Veteran's statements regarding the onset of his symptoms during service have been found credible.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, fibromyalgia, and other joint disorders, as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for allergic rhinitis, a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD, and a rating in excess of 70 percent on and after June 3, 2021, for PTSD have been denied.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left shoulder condition, cervicalgia, neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, vision loss/diplopia, nodules on vocal chords, sleep apnea, ischemic heart disease, chronic diarrhea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), skin tags of arms and thighs, and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to allow for further development and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board granted the application to reopen claims for service connection for liposarcoma and sleep apnea, but remanded other claims including left axillary mass, GERD, and sleep apnea.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's GERD is secondary to his service-connected disabilities, specifically his ankle disability and PTSD. The AOJ should obtain complete copies of internet articles submitted by the Veteran in support of his claim and provide him with an opportunity to submit them.

The Veteran's initial claim for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis was denied, as the evidence did not show polyps or greater than 50 percent obstruction of nasal passages on both sides.,For GERD, the Veteran's initial rating prior to October 8, 2019 was granted at 30%, but it was remanded from that date onwards due to lack of sufficient symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has restored the 30 percent rating for GERD with esophagitis and hiatal hernia, but has remanded the claim for a higher rating due to an esophagectomy. The Veteran's medical records are needed for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he can tolerate sedentary or physical work environments that don't involve heavy lifting and prolonged sitting.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension, gastrointestinal disorder, gastroesophageal disorder, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to unclear medical opinions and need for further development.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for the GERD, Mallory-Weiss tear of the esophagus, and back disability claims. The Veteran's service records do not provide sufficient evidence to establish a direct relationship between his current conditions and his military service or any exposure to Camp Lejeune water. Therefore, these cases are being remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, GERD with hiatal hernia secondary to PTSD, and a psychiatric disorder other than PTSD. The Board found that there was no current diagnosis of PTSD or evidence linking any diagnosed psychiatric disorders to military service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for GERD prior to June 26, 2019 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter is being remanded due to missing evidence from a December 2011 Disability Benefits Questionnaire.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as incurred in service. The claims for reopening of diabetes mellitus type II, PTSD, and skin disability are remanded due to new evidence. Other service connection claims are also remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, sleep apnea, and peripheral neuropathy due to presumed herbicide agent exposure. Service connection was denied for onychomycosis, obesity, and GERD.