GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's appeal for increased disability ratings in multiple areas of his service-connected conditions is being remanded due to inadequate prior examinations and the need for retrospective opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral flat feet and plantar fasciitis, right or left ear disorder, right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, left ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, right carpal tunnel syndrome (dominant), left carpal tunnel syndrome (nondominant), right shoulder acromioclavicular joint strain (dominant), right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to the Veteran's failure to appear for VA examinations scheduled in April 2023.

The Veteran's GERD and headache disorder were found to have initially manifested in service, and the Board granted service connection for both conditions.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent disability rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease prior to June 1, 2022, and a 30 percent disability rating thereafter. The Veteran's PTSD is being remanded for further adjudication.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a qualifying chronic disability or other basis for service connection.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, and the Board finds that an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent is not warranted due to lack of evidence showing severe impairment of health.

The Veteran's service connection for IBS is granted, and a 30 percent disability rating for GERD is granted. The right knee disability claim remains denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding personnel records and potential exposure to contaminated water. Additional medical opinions are needed regarding the etiology of his lumbar spine, cervical spine, gastrointestinal disorders, GERD, kidney cancer residuals, and hand tremors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, finding that there was no evidence of a disease or injury in service indicative of GERD and that his statements regarding continuity of symptoms since service were not credible.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the impact of the Veteran's medications on his service-connected esophageal disability.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of increased disability ratings, service connection, and TDIU. The Veteran will need to undergo VA examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, resulting in a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right knee strain with degenerative arthritis and residuals from meniscectomy, left knee strain post patellar realignment, and GERD with IBS have been granted initial 20 percent ratings effective since the date of service discharge.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a change in law regarding causation standards and because of insufficient reasoning provided by previous opinions. The Veteran's vertigo, anemia, obstructive sleep apnea, eye disability, and GERD are all being reviewed again with new medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obstructive sleep apnea due to inadequate examination and opinion findings. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has dismissed all appeals, including those for higher disability ratings and service connection claims, due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease and vertigo due to insufficient rationale in the previous VA opinions.

The Board has granted the request to readjudicate the claim for bilateral flatfoot. The claim for secondary service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as related to PTSD and obesity is remanded due to new evidence received since the last decision. The claim for gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) and bilateral hearing loss are also remanded.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for bone spurs of the bilateral feet and a bilateral knee condition was granted. The petitions for service connection for a respiratory condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), neck pain, chronic low back pain, and corns and calluses of the bilateral feet were denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for peripheral neuropathy, hypertension, heart disorder, gastrointestinal disorder (GERD), and erectile dysfunction. The case will be remanded to allow for further examination and opinion.