GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds another remand necessary to address his claim for an increased rating.,Service connection for COPD is denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service or herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, MGUS, and prostate cancer. Service connection is remanded for thyroid disorder, multiple sclerosis (MS), neurological disorder claimed as Parkinson's disease, GERD, bilateral upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and bilateral hand arthritis.

The Veteran's back disability resulted in limited forward flexion of less than 30 degrees from February 14, 2014, to November 15, 2015, and January 1, 2016, to August 31, 2021.,From May 24, 2013, to February 13, 2014, and as of September 1, 2021, the Veteran's back disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS with incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, infertility, GERD, a right shoulder condition, a hip condition, a headache condition, and chronic sinusitis have been denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 10% for his left knee condition.

The Veteran's GERD and IBS are rated at a maximum of 30 percent, with the Board finding no evidence to support higher ratings. The issue of service connection for OSA is remanded due to inadequate nexus opinion.

The Board has found new and relevant evidence for several of the Veteran's claims, including GERD, peripheral neuropathy, right hip replacement, right knee status post total knee replacement, and thoracic aortic aneurysm. The claims are being remanded due to insufficient evidence or conflicting theories.

The Veteran's claims for GERD, Barrett's esophagus, skin cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer have been denied. The cases of skin cancer, colon cancer, and rectal cancer are being remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence being added to the record, and the Veteran did not respond to a request for a waiver of AOJ consideration. The GERD claim will be reconsidered by the AOJ.

The Veteran's GERD disability is granted a rating of 30 percent, effective August 16, 2016.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD. The case will be returned to the Board after completion of the requested actions.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and IBS, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's symptoms of GERD and IBS have been present since his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for several issues, including initial compensable rating for atopic dermatitis and service connection for PTSD, unspecified depressive disorder and moderate alcohol use disorder, sleep disturbances, chronic headaches, keratitis/corneal ulcer, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, enlarged cervical right side submandibular lymph node, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and muscle and joint pain (unspecified).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for jaw pain, gout, headaches, GERD, and tinnitus due to lack of sufficient evidence establishing a nexus between these conditions and military service. The Veteran is competent to report observable symptoms during service and post-service.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for GERD as secondary to PTSD, service connection for a nasal injury, and service connection for sinusitis. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for hypertension, acid reflux disease, and COPD as the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated as 10 percent, but the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to less severe symptoms.

The Board has denied service connection for anxiety and mood swings, PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, heart disorder, erectile dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sinusitis and rhinitis, right eye cataracts, left eye cataracts, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The Board found no in-service psychological injury or event leading to the current disabilities.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia is granted an initial rating of 10 percent.,Service connection for bilateral flat feet is denied.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is granted as secondary to his service-connected left hip arthritis and bursitis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disability and gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD and chronic constipation. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.