GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2023

The Board has found that the Veteran's GERD is related to his service-connected sinusitis and medications taken for other service-connected disabilities. However, the VA examiner did not address the Veteran's testimony regarding sinus drainage causing stomach issues. The case is being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion.

The Board has denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, respiratory disability, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiological disability (coronary artery disease), kidney disability (chronic kidney disease), bilateral eye disability, and stomach disability (GERD). The claims are being remanded to verify the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents at Fort Polk.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anemia, left eye scar, and a compensable rating for right hand 4th digit scar have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,PTSD and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD were denied due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings based on current symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various gastrointestinal and gallbladder conditions, including IBS, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, GERD, gastrointestinal tumor, colon polyps, and a polyp in the gallbladder. The claims are being remanded to allow for VA examinations and further development of evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, increased ratings for kidney stones and migraines, and evaluations in excess of the current ratings for left wrist TFCC repair residuals and neuropathy of the left hand post TFCC tear and surgical repair have been dismissed. The claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to include as secondary to sleep apnea has been remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD, migraine headaches, and GERD have been rated based on their current manifestations. The Veteran is granted a higher evaluation for his PTSD and GERD, but denied an increased rating for his migraine headaches.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability, or causal relationship to service.

The appeal concerning entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is dismissed as moot.,Service connection granted for tinnitus, with the Veteran having a current diagnosis and in-service incurrence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate examinations and need for additional evidence. The issues include left upper extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine condition, lumbosacral spine condition, skin condition, GERD, and heart condition.

Service connection is granted for urinary incontinence as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis.,Service connection is granted for chronic fatigue syndrome as secondary to service-connected COPD with obstructive sleep apnea.,The Veteran's pleuritic chest pain claim remains pending and requires further examination and opinion.,The heart condition claim, including coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease, is remanded due to the inextricably intertwined nature of the issues. A new opinion is needed regarding whether the heart condition is directly related to service.,Gastrointestinal disorder (including gastric ulcers and gastroenteritis but excluding IBS and GERD) claim remains pending and requires further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's service connection claim for asthma is granted, but his GERD claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient development and opinions regarding exposure to asbestos, as well as the etiology of his respiratory and gastrointestinal disabilities.

The Board has found that the VA did not comply with its previous remand instructions and requires additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's GERD is due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically stress caused by psychiatric or lumbar spine disabilities and/or effects of medications taken to treat any service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeals regarding various conditions and disabilities have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's left elbow disorder has been granted service connection, as it is related to his period of active service. The Board found that the Veteran experienced functional impairment due to continuous elbow pain.,The Veteran's sleep apnea and headache disorders have been remanded for further evaluation, as there are conflicting opinions regarding their onset during service or their relation to environmental exposures.

The appeal of the issue of entitlement to service connection for GERD is dismissed. The case has been returned to the Board due to a withdrawal by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to the Veteran's competent lay statements and the lack of evidence against his claim, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for gastrointestinal, bilateral knee, left shoulder, and back conditions due to inadequate opinions in the January 2020 VA examination reports.,Additional development is needed to obtain an adequate opinion regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's GERD is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's right wrist disability, right hand disability other than tremor, left elbow disability, and left hand disability are all granted as service connected.