GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome and gastrointestinal disorder are granted as service connection is established due to the benefit of doubt being afforded.,Service connection for GERD is granted, with the Board finding that it began during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, PFB, knee disabilities, and hip disabilities, were denied. The Board found that the medical evidence did not support higher ratings based on the criteria provided in the rating schedule.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding various conditions and ratings, as the Veteran requested to withdraw all claims.

The Veteran's GERD and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease have been remanded for further development, including obtaining retrospective medical opinions regarding the severity of his conditions without considering the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Veteran's kidney disorder, gastroesophageal disorder, gastrointestinal/bowel disorder, headaches, low back disorder, and neck disorder are all remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their etiology. The claims will be considered in light of the Veteran's service in the Gulf War and his reported symptoms during service.

The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 60 percent for the Veteran's Barrett's esophagus with esophagitis and GERD, finding that his symptoms are productive of a severe impairment of health.

The Veteran was granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).,Service connection for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were denied.

The Board has remanded the claim for GERD due to insufficient evidence regarding its onset in service and a need for further development of the record, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion on whether GERD is related to the Veteran's in-service motor vehicle accident. Additionally, the AOJ must determine if the Veteran participated in a TERA and provide a specific addendum opinion on this issue.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of considerable impairment of health.,The Veteran's CTS of the right median nerve and left median nerve are both rated at 10 percent, with no evidence of moderate or severe incomplete paralysis.

The Veteran's service connection claims for night sweats, a back condition, bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and macular degeneration are all denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or onset. The Board finds the VA examination opinion inadequate due to lack of contemporaneous medical records.,The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, GERD, and macular degeneration are remanded as there is insufficient information to determine if these conditions are related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded due to the lack of contemporaneous medical records in service. The examiner must discuss the Veteran's MOS and duties as an auto repairman, which may have exposed him to heavy equipment fuel and fluids.,The Veteran's claim for macular degeneration is remanded as there is insufficient information to determine if this condition is related to service. The examiner must discuss the Veteran's MOS and duties as an auto repairman, which may have exposed him to heavy equipment fuel and fluids.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is found to be the primary cause of his diagnosed conditions, including NAFLD, IBS, GERD, diverticulosis of the colon, sleep apnea, and bilateral restless leg syndrome.,Service connection has been granted for these conditions as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected depression.

Service connection for GERD and myelodysplastic syndrome is granted.,The Veteran's right ear hearing loss, upper back pain, osteoarthritic changes of the lower thoracic spine with upper back pain, cardiovascular disability, and TDIU claims are all denied.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70% rating from September 30, 2021 until February 7, 2022. Service connection for hypertension, chronic rhinitis, and chronic sinusitis are granted beginning August 10, 2022 due to the PACT Act. Service connection for GERD is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, gout, right lower extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, aortic aneurysm, and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bronchitis, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, gout, right lower extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, hypertension, aortic aneurysm, and diabetes mellitus are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's GERD and bleeding duodenal ulcer have been granted a 20 percent rating, effective January 18, 2018. The claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for the duodenal ulcer due to service-connected shoulder condition has been withdrawn.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disorder, including peptic ulcer disease and GERD. The case is being returned to VA due to missing service treatment records and incomplete medical history.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD and acid reflux, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including persistent depressive disorder, sleep apnea, lumbosacral strain, and other conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board has granted the TDIU based on these service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to various disabilities, including tinnitus, shoulder and knee conditions, vertigo, migraines, GERD, ED, and hearing loss. The Board has remanded these issues for further development.,The Veteran is seeking service connection for several disabilities that are secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a gastrointestinal disorder and left knee disability due to incomplete examinations. The AOJ must schedule new examinations and readjudicate the cases.