GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been reopened. The Board finds that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, particularly in light of the PACT Act presumption of exposure.,A VA medical opinion will be obtained to address whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and GERD are related to his service, including any presumed burn pit exposures.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for TBI, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, anxiety, MDD, and alcohol/drug abuse), a sleep disorder (insomnia), acid reflux, and erectile dysfunction (ED).,The appellant's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for service connection as his bilateral hearing loss does not meet VA's definition of a disability.

The Veteran's cervical disability, OSA, and GERD have been granted service connection.,A 40% disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar disability has been restored effective December 28, 2016.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7346. The evidence does not support a higher rating as there are no symptoms of hematemesis or melena that would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's hypertension disability has been rated at 0 percent since October 2, 2012. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including lymphedema and fatigue syndrome, rendered her unable to work from March 5, 2004. The Board granted TDIU effective February 12, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dysthymic disorder and alcohol use disorder, as well as secondary service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic acid reflux, hiatal hernia, and allergic rhinitis, has been granted. The case is remanded to obtain opinions regarding the secondary service connection claims.

Service connection is granted for TMJ and GERD, but service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed TMJ and GERD had their onset in service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), insomnia disorder, and chronic sinusitis with sinus headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is considered to have been present at the time of his entrance into service, but it increased in severity during service. Service connection was granted based on a finding that the increase in severity was not due to natural progression.,The Board also granted service connection for GERD. The current diagnosis of GERD is related to an in-service injury or illness, as evidenced by complaints and treatment prior to separation from service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding service connection due to potential toxic exposure risk activities. The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are both at issue.

The appeal for service connection for adjustment/mood disorder is dismissed as the Veteran has been granted service connection for major depressive disorder with generalized anxiety disorder (claimed as anxiety). The appeals for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and bladder disability are remanded.

Your appeal has been dismissed because the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected GERD, IBS with constipation, and scar status post cholecystectomy.

The Veteran's service connection claims for GERD, cataracts, sleep apnea, umbilical hernia, right ankle disorder, left ankle disorder, and right shoulder disorder are all granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and insomnia were granted, while the claim for GERD was denied. The effective date for the increased rating of heart palpitations with atrial flutter is denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition, characterized by IVDS with DDD and Sacroiliac Condition, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or favorable ankylosis.,The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board granted a 30 percent rating for GERD, effective from February 10, 2018.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for scar, status post TENS unit placement has been dismissed as the Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal.,The Veteran's fibromyalgia is currently rated at 40 percent from December 11, 2019. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted due to lack of evidence showing episodic exacerbations or refractory symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating was granted with an effective date of December 18, 2014. However, the actual effective date is set at September 12, 2015, based on the earliest evidence showing entitlement to the benefit.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for GERD, hypertension, skin condition, sleep apnea, nosebleeds, right wrist condition, and left hip condition due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran contends that these conditions are secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for acid reflux, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and bilateral heel pain due to inadequate VA examinations. The AOJ is instructed to send the claim file to an appropriate clinician who will provide opinions on whether the Veteran's conditions had onset in active service or are otherwise causally connected to his service.