GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for a headache disability. The claims for right eye and GERD disabilities are remanded due to the addition of VA treatment records.

The Veteran's bilateral eye disorder, diagnosed as acute superficial punctate keratitis, is granted service connection.,Service connection for GERD was denied due to lack of in-service diagnosis or treatment.

The Board has remanded the claims for COPD, thrombocutaneous platelet disorder (thrombocytopenia), Barrett's esophagus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents. The VA is instructed to verify the Veteran's asbestos exposure and obtain new opinions regarding the relationship of these conditions to service-connected atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The Veteran's GERD is granted a 10% rating, but no higher.,The Veteran's migraines are denied as not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for chronic sinusitis is denied due to lack of evidence of current disability.,Service connection for TBI is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for GERD, IBS, left shoulder disorder, left foot disorder, and left knee disorder due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is believed to have developed these conditions during or as a result of his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for acid reflux with GERD, hemorrhoids, a left hand condition, and a left hand scar. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and medical opinions regarding the etiology of her gastrointestinal disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD was initially rated at 10% from October 25, 2016, to October 9, 2019. The rating was increased to 30% effective October 10, 2019.,Since October 10, 2019, the Veteran's GERD has been rated at 30%, with symptoms of dysphagia, pyrosis, reflux, regurgitation, and substernal pain.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and neurological or headache conditions, as they may be related to his service-connected PTSD and associated medications.

The Veteran's cervicogenic headaches are rated as noncompensable due to less frequent attacks, not meeting the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder other than GERD is denied because there is no evidence of such a condition during service or related to an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding private treatment records and VA treatment records that need to be obtained, as well as a VA examination for the Veteran's hearing loss, skin disorder, GERD, and hiatal hernia. The claims for service connection will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of his military personnel records. The Board will consider all submitted evidence, including lay statements from the Veteran, in determining whether service connection is warranted for the claimed conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and missing service treatment records. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including GERD and dysphagia, are being reviewed for potential service connection given his conceded exposure to burn pits during service.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD but remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of clarity on causation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, as well as obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for payment or reimbursement of beneficiary travel expenses as the ambulance transport was not medically necessary and the Veteran could have transferred himself to the VA hospital if he deemed further treatment necessary.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for GERD and Hemorrhoids, as well as a request for an increased evaluation for PTSD. The Board has determined that the claim for TDIU is properly before it due to its being raised during the pendency of other claims. The claims for GERD and Hemorrhoids are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a gastrointestinal disorder to include diverticulosis, esophageal stricture, and/or GERD is denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of in-service onset or relationship to active duty service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, lumbar spine condition, left hip condition, and right hip condition as secondary to his service-connected disability of right ankle strain due to conflicting medical opinions and lack of a clear nexus.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between GERD and service, including in-service meals. A new examination is needed.