GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2023

The Veteran's service connection claim for recurrent lumbosacral strain is granted. The claims for right hip disability, left hip disability, esophageal disability (GERD), substance abuse disability, and Type II diabetes mellitus are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to unresolved issues related to the Veteran's military sexual trauma and psychiatric disorders. The VA examiner is requested to provide opinions on the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder(s) and GERD with hiatal hernia.

The Veteran's GERD with dyspepsia is granted a 30 percent disability evaluation for the entire rating period on appeal (since June 20, 2012).

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and development of evidence related to the Veteran's employability given his service-connected disabilities. The claim will be reconsidered after additional development.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent, the lowest available rating under VA guidelines. The Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected back disability has rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since August 26, 2009. The Board finds the evidence is in balance regarding this issue and grants a TDIU on an extraschedular basis.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and denied the remaining issues. The appellant's tinnitus is rated at its maximum schedular rating, and his hypertension is considered presumptively related to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia disability is rated at the highest possible level (60%) and his TDIU claim prior to October 2, 2009 is denied. The SMC claim for aid and attendance or housebound criteria is also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been granted. The claim for Parkinson's disease has been denied.,Service connection was established for the three conditions based on their onset during service.