GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on a secondary basis, finding that the Veteran's use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) associated with treatment for his service-connected disabilities is etiologically related to his GERD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for H. pylori condition and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD, finding no current diagnosis of H. pylori infection and insufficient evidence to warrant a higher rating for GERD.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for irritable bowel syndrome and recognition as the helpless child of his stepson are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and missing SSA records.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating under applicable schedular criteria.,PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neurogenic bladder, claimed as secondary to degenerative disc disease of lumbar spine. The GERD and headache disability claims have been remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder and hypertension are being remanded for further examination and analysis due to inadequate prior examinations.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia stricture of the esophagus with GERD is rated at 60 percent, which is already the maximum schedular evaluation available. The Board denied an increased rating as there are no higher ratings legally available under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, sleep apnea, and sinusitis, finding that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and his active duty service.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's vertigo secondary to his service-connected tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's right elbow disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's bilateral upper extremity finger and/or hand disability is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder (GERD) is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's hernia is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's hypertension to include as due to Camp Lejeune service is remanded for further examination and opinion.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease should be remanded to the AOJ for further review of additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran's chest pain, pleurisy, diverticulitis, perforated colon, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are related to service. The VA will conduct a respiratory examination to assess the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated as 10 percent prior to July 27, 2023, and increased to 60 percent thereafter. The claim for an increased rating remains before the Board.,The Veteran's tonsillectomy with pharyngeal pain requires a new VA examination to determine its current severity.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 10 percent, and the Board found that it did not meet or nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of symptoms such as considerable impairment of health.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The left wrist disability remains at a 10 percent rating, GERD received a 60 percent rating from March 6, 2020, and the painful abdominal scar continues to be rated as noncompensable.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, including PTSD, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to insufficient information regarding in-service stressors and missing service treatment records. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted in 2012, but the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for SMC at the housebound rate because his service-connected disabilities combined to be less than 60% disabling.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia but has remanded the issue of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for deviated septum, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and sinusitis due to potential duty-to-assist errors in obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's GERD and allergic rhinitis were granted service connection as they are considered direct service-connected conditions, with symptoms observed during active duty.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to errors in the initial decision-making process, including failing to request a VA Form 21-8940 for TDIU and not obtaining SSA income records. The employment status of the Veteran is also relevant to his disability ratings.