GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC at the housebound rate are granted. The increased rating claim for her service-connected status post colostomy and laparotomy is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from being able to perform daily activities and if he requires regular aid and attendance.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's PTSD and/or medications have aggravated his GERD. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's stomach disorder, including GERD, is related to service. The claim will be further developed and an addendum opinion from a VA clinician will be needed.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, functional bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, tinnitus, erectile dysfunction (secondary to service-connected disability), and acid reflux have been partially granted. The claim for hypertension was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. Claims for higher ratings for functional bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids were denied as they do not meet the schedular criteria. Service connection for tinnitus and acid reflux has been established, but erectile dysfunction secondary to service-connected disability remains unresolved.

The Veteran's vertigo is being remanded for a VA medical opinion to determine if it is related to his service-connected Crohn's disease or toxic exposure risk activities.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is being remanded for a VA medical opinion to determine if it is related to his service-connected Crohn's disease or toxic exposure risk activities.,The Veteran's insomnia is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition and whether it is related to his service-connected Crohn's disease with fatigue and GERD.,The Veteran's migraines are being remanded for a retrospective medical opinion considering the severity of his migraines without medication since he filed his claim in July 2014.,The Veteran's Crohn's disease with secondary fatigue and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being remanded for new VA examinations to determine the current severity of his condition.,The Veteran's pruritic papular eruptions are being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate VA medical opinions.,Specifically, the Board requested an addendum opinion on whether any GI disorder, including GERD, is related to service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims to reopen for GERD, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Left Shoulder Disability, and Low Back Disability. The claims for these conditions are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's GERD and OSA are being remanded for further examination to determine their etiology. His arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, bilateral knees, ankles, and hips is also being remanded due to lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on IBS with gastroesophageal reflux syndrome and related issues is remanded due to the need for additional evidence or clarification.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a retrospective assessment of his GERD and IBS symptoms, disregarding medication effects, and clarification on the date of diagnosis for IBS.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus. The issues of service connection for erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and acid reflux are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disorder, including peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as his current symptoms were determined to be mild GERD. The Board found that there was no nexus between the Veteran's stomach ulcers and his service, specifically exposure to tactical herbicide agents.

The appeal of the claim for service connection for left knee disability is dismissed. The claims of entitlement to a higher rating for low back disability and service connection for GERD are remanded.

The Veteran's acid reflux and vision problems are being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine their relationship to service, with a focus on whether they are related to the service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 13, 2017, for the grant of service connection for tension headaches is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right shoulder disability is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for bursitis is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for tension headaches is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical strain is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left rotator cuff impingement syndrome is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 13, 2017, for the grant of a 20 percent rating for left rotator cuff impingement syndrome is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis with strain of the lumbar spine is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 13, 2017, for the grant of service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 13, 2017, for the assignment of a separate compensable rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis is remanded.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was granted in a May 2023 rating decision.,Service connection for a gastrointestinal condition to include gastritis and GERD is denied as the evidence does not support a relationship with active service or toxic exposures.,Service connection for arthritis of the neck is denied due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between current symptoms and military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for GERD, Erectile Dysfunction, and Sleep Impairment as secondary to PTSD due to insufficient evidence. Additional medical records are needed, and a VA examination is required.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's GERD and his military service, as well as whether it is related to any service-connected conditions.