GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for erythema nodosum has been dismissed due to the appellant's request for withdrawal.,The Board is remanding several issues including tinnitus, acid reflux disease, astigmatism, presbyopia, myopia, cervical dysplasia, uterine fibroids, left knee Baker's cyst, demyelinating disease, bilateral foot neuropathy, and bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve disability for further development.

The Board has remanded the issue of whether the Veteran's gastrointestinal complications, including IBS and GERD, are secondary to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board found that the withholding of VA disability compensation for 54 training days in FY 2016 was proper, as the Veteran received concurrent pay and thus did not receive additional benefits. The appeal is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased disability rating for GERD, service connection for a right knee disability, fecal incontinence, and hiatal hernia due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is dismissed as the symptoms are encompassed by his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection has been granted for erectile dysfunction, which is secondary to service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's bowel disorder, including IBS, UC, and GERD, was found to be moderately severe with frequent exacerbations prior to February 21, 2018. The current rating of 30 percent is the maximum allowable under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has found that new examinations are required to evaluate the current nature and severity of the Veteran's right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to a record gap from December 2016 to July 2022. The Veteran's GERD disability is also remanded for further evaluation.

The appellant withdrew his appeal, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran was granted a 30 percent rating for GERD, esophagitis and mild duodenitis starting from June 11, 2021.,Prior to June 11, 2021, the Veteran's GERD, esophagitis and mild duodenitis were rated at 10 percent. The Board granted a higher rating of 30 percent effective June 11, 2021.,The Veteran was also granted TDIU from October 9, 2013 to April 15, 2022.

The Veteran's low back disability, left ear hearing loss, right ear hearing loss, PTSD, and hernia are granted. The Veteran is also granted higher ratings for PTSD and hernia from specific dates. Other conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD is granted a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of claim.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for service connection of migraines, cervical spine disability, PTSD, lumbar spine disability, bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, GERD, allergic rhinitis, tinnitus, and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).

Service connection for asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is granted. Service connection for a bilateral heel/ankle disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypertension (HTN) are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches. The remaining claims are remanded and will be reconsidered with additional VA treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral spine disability, left knee disability, GERD, and skin disorder. These conditions are all presumed to have had their initial onset before the end of the Veteran's qualifying period of service in November 1999.,The decision is based on medical evidence that indicates these disabilities were present prior to the conclusion of the Veteran's qualifying service.

The Veteran's GERD, ED, bilateral pes planus, plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spurs, toe deformities, and right ankle sprain are all granted service connection.

The Veteran's OSA was granted a rating of 50% from July 23, 2018. The Veteran's GERD and right/left ankle disabilities were granted service connection with the right ankle disability being granted as reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran. Service connection for left ankle disability and exertional compartment syndrome were also granted. No new rating was assigned for allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for acid reflux, hemorrhoids, residuals of Depo-Provera, migraine headaches, and anxiety and insomnia due to a lack of a VA examination specifically addressing these conditions. The Veteran is presumed competent to report her symptoms during service.

The Veteran's service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was restored, and the reduction of his combined evaluation from 60% to 50% is granted. The issue regarding the propriety of reducing his combined evaluation remains remanded.