GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2023

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for seborrheic dermatitis and obstructive sleep apnea due to new evidence. The remaining issues of service connection are remanded as they may be related to Gulf War exposure or burn pit exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine, left ankle disability, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have been dismissed.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left heel disability has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee disability has been denied.

The Board has granted an initial 30 percent rating for GERD, but remanded the case to consider if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux is being remanded due to the addition of new VA treatment records. The case will be returned to the AOJ for review and readjudication.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for GERD and dyspepsia as there is an outstanding medical question regarding whether the Veteran's use of over-the-counter medications indicates that GERD was present prior to May 2018.

The Veteran's initial rating for GERD is granted at a 30 percent level. The left shoulder strain claim is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, right knee, left knee, and left forearm disabilities are related to his active military service.,The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are caused by the Veteran's obesity, which in turn is caused by his service-connected depressive disorder and musculoskeletal disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, and his GERD is rated at 30 percent. The appeal for a higher rating for PTSD has been granted.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate, and thus remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including its relationship to service-connected PTSD and exposure to burn pits during service in the Persian Gulf.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including gastric ulcer and GERD. The Veteran's service treatment records show complaints of stomach pain and gastritis, but a VA examiner found no current disability. A new examination is needed to address these issues.

The Board has denied service connection for insomnia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder. Special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disability is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), claimed as gastrointestinal problems, to include as secondary to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol use disorder, is remanded.

The Veteran's GERD is caused or aggravated by her service-connected back and/or posttraumatic stress disorder disabilities, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable disability rating for GERD prior to December 31, 2019 was denied. For the period beginning December 31, 2019, his claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since September 30, 2020. As of that date, the Veteran is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and head/scalp condition to include cysts are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's scar on his right index finger is granted a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's hypertension and GERD are each rated at the maximum 10 percent level, as they do not meet criteria for higher ratings. The Veteran's PTSD remains at the current 50 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, but has remanded the claims of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux due to a lack of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for hyperthyroidism, thyroid eye disease, dry eye syndrome, GERD, and right shoulder strain. Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and GERD, as well as secondary service connection for nerve radiculopathy. The Board has determined that the issues of an increased rating for lumbosacral strain need to be remanded due to a lack of proper notice in the SOC. Additionally, efforts should be made to obtain SSA records and schedule the Veteran for a hearing.