GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2023

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, finding that there is no probative evidence to connect her current disability to her active-duty service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD was reopened due to new and relevant evidence. The Board found that the Veteran's GERD had its onset during his military service, meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to a lack of VA examinations and potential exposure to toxic substances during his military service.

Service connection is granted for cervical strain, OSA secondary to PTSD and GERD, migraines, and GERD. The Veteran's fibromyalgia claim requires further examination.,The Veteran's TMJ disorder requires a higher initial evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, peripheral vestibular disorder (PVD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and empty sella syndrome (ESS) are all granted. The grants are based on direct service connection.,Service connection is established for migraine headaches, PVD, GERD secondary to hypogonadism post pituitary microadenoma with obesity as an intermediate step, and ESS secondary to the same condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a left ankle disorder, right hip disorder (secondary to the left ankle disorder), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to environmental exposures while in Southwest Asia.,For the left ankle disorder, the Veteran's service treatment records show no diagnosis of an avulsion fracture but mention left Achilles tendonitis. The examiner concluded it is less likely than not related to service.,Regarding the right hip disorder, there was no examination provided by VA and the Board has remanded for a VA examination to determine if it is related to the left ankle disorder or due to environmental exposures while in Southwest Asia.,For GERD, the Veteran's STRs do not mention frequent indigestion or heartburn. The examiner concluded that it is less likely than not related to service and environmental exposures.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, claimed as ulcers, finding that her current conditions are not related to service and are unrelated to any service-connected condition.

The Veteran's GERD/acid indigestion is granted a higher initial evaluation of 30 percent effective November 21, 2017. The Veteran's hypertension case has been remanded for additional review.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and clarification regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal symptoms, specifically whether they are due to an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness resulting from service in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and thus grants his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has decided to remand the claim for service connection of sleep apnea due to additional contentions provided by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate opinions regarding his sleep apnea and secondary service connection for allergic rhinitis, GERD, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and migraines. The Veteran will need more contemporaneous examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, finding that there is no medical evidence linking her current GERD to her service-connected disabilities. The Board concluded that the Veteran's GERD was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not secondary to any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fatigue with insomnia, GERD, and IBS have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection has been granted for GERD as secondary to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken for service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's initial 30 percent rating for GERD is granted, and his 50 percent rating for migraine headaches is continued.,PTSD with alcohol/cannabis use disorder and TBI are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction was granted, but his claims for initial compensable disability rating for bilateral hearing loss and service connection for scars, GERD with ulcers, and vertigo/syncope were remanded due to insufficient evidence.,The Board acknowledged the Veteran's assertions of secondary service connection for these conditions but found that additional medical opinions were needed.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to missing private treatment records and for VA examinations to assess the current severity of the service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis, right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and erectile dysfunction are all granted service connection.,The Veteran's GERD is granted an increased rating to 30 percent.

The Board has dismissed the claims for increased ratings for Erectile Dysfunction and Hypertension, and has remanded the issues of a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's hepatitis C claim is reopened and the Board finds it at least as likely as not related to drug use during service. The back disorder, GERD, trigger fingers in both hands, right shoulder disorder, hyperlipidemia, and respiratory disorder (likely COPD) claims are all remanded for further development.,The Veteran's claim for residuals of injury to the jaw and mouth, including a dental disorder, is reopened and the Board finds it at least as likely as not related to an in-service injury. The acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (likely referring to PTSD), hypertension, and right shoulder disorder claims are all remanded for further development.