GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete development and failure to obtain addendum opinions. The Veteran's representative provided reasons for non-compliance with prior remand directives.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease, finding that consideration of intermediate conditions such as obesity is necessary due to her multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to her service-connected orthopedic disabilities. However, the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for gastroesophageal disability, including throat cancer and Barrett's esophagus, and skin cancer due to unclear exposure information. The Veteran served as a chemical parts specialist and had duties involving mustard gas shells at Rocky Mountain Arsenal.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar and thoracic strain disability, finding that there is at least a balance of evidence in favor of this claim.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arachnoid cyst of the brain with headaches is remanded due to insufficient evidence addressing his history of an arachnoid cyst.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability is remanded as there is no supporting evidence linking it to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's hearing loss of the right ear is currently rated as noncompensable, and there is no indication that it has worsened since the last rating decision.,The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds remand necessary to determine if his sleep apnea is related to his GERD or another condition.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, lumbar spine disorder, respiratory disorder, and bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's hypertension was rated at noncompensable prior to September 20, 2023, and at 10 percent after that date. The Veteran's GERD was rated at 10 percent prior to September 20, 2023, and at 30 percent from that date.,The Veteran's right hip osteoarthritis is remanded for further development.

The Board has dismissed the issue of service connection for a respiratory disability as it is moot due to the grant of service connection for asthma. The Veteran's GERD is granted an initial rating of 30 percent, but no higher.

The Board denied service connection for gastrointestinal, prostate, kidney, and hypertension disorders. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection due to chemical exposure or other presumptive conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for generalized anxiety disorder is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for back condition and gastrointestinal condition (GERD) are granted, with the latter being reopened based on new evidence.,Service connection for a back condition is established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to new evidence received since the last final rating decision. The issues of service connection for GERD, right shoulder disability, depressive disorder, low back disability, allergic rhinitis, right carpal tunnel syndrome, left carpal tunnel syndrome, and foot disabilities are being addressed.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is granted a TDIU effective May 10, 2016.,The Veteran's low back strain and degenerative disc disease are granted a TDIU effective May 10, 2016.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is granted a TDIU effective May 10, 2016.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted a TDIU effective May 10, 2016.,The Veteran's peptic ulcer disease with GERD is granted a TDIU effective May 10, 2016.,The Veteran's right knee strain is granted a TDIU effective May 10, 2016.,The Veteran's tendonitis of the right ankle is granted a TDIU effective May 10, 2016.,The Veteran's residuals from injury to the left ankle are granted a TDIU effective May 10, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for chronic gastritis and GERD, as well as TDIU, are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's service connection claim for depression has been denied.,An initial rating in excess of 30 percent for insomnia disorder is also denied, with the case being remanded to consider additional issues.

The Veteran's cause of death, esophageal perforation secondary to gastroesophageal cancer, is found to be related to his in-service exposure to Agent Orange and other environmental factors. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn and are dismissed due to the withdrawal by his representative.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion and a need for further development regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim of service connection for GERD (claimed as ulcers) due to additional development being necessary.