GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's neck condition, claimed as C-6, 7, 8 compression, is remanded for further evaluation.,Issues of service connection for sleep apnea and bilateral hearing loss are also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for pancreatitis with GERD and hypertension was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show frequent attacks of abdominal pain, loss of normal body weight, or severe malnutrition required for a higher rating.,For hypertension, the Board noted that while diastolic pressure was sometimes above 100 during the appeal period, it never reached 110 or more. Therefore, the current 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7101 is maintained.

The Veteran's service connection for hemorrhoids, mild TMJ disorder with bruxism, left carpal tunnel syndrome with cubital tunnel syndrome, bilateral plantar fasciitis, persistent depressive disorder, GERD with IBS, shin splint, right lower extremity, and shin splint, left lower extremity have been granted. The Veteran's service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome with cubital tunnel syndrome has been granted at a 30 percent rating effective from November 21, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claim for acid reflux due to a lack of compliance with previous instructions and an inadequate rationale in the May 2022 VA medical opinion. The Veteran's acid reflux is being reviewed again, this time by a new clinician who must provide opinions on whether it was caused or aggravated by medication for his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's claims for higher disability ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records, an updated VA examination, and further review of the evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and diverticulitis, finding that these conditions are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for secondary service connection for sleep apnea and GERD, finding that both conditions are related to his service-connected spinocerebellar ataxia and sleep apnea respectively.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if the Veteran still needs VR&E services and to assess her current employment status, education, and skills. The goal is to provide appropriate vocational rehabilitation services based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted with a 50% rating, but no higher. The heart disability and hypertension are granted effective from August 10, 2022.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for GERD and obstructive sleep apnea due to conflicting medical evidence regarding current diagnoses, need for a TERA opinion, and potential service connection based on presumed exposure to burn pits.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to provide the necessary VA examinations. The PACT Act does not apply as the Veteran is not a Persian Gulf Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence being added since the last decision, and the Veteran did not respond within the required timeframe. The AOJ will review the new evidence and issue a decision.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and rating decisions, including service connection claims and initial ratings for various conditions. The Veteran's sleep apnea remains at a 50% rating due to the use of a CPAP machine but no evidence of respiratory failure or cor pulmonale. For thoracic muscle strain, the Veteran received a 20% rating based on limited range of motion. GERD and allergic rhinitis were granted initial ratings of 30% and 40%, respectively. Migraines are rated at 50% effective January 2, 2018. Service connection claims for hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and arthralgias, sinusitis, TBI, vertigo and dizziness, memory loss and concentration, left knee disability, and right knee disability are all remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for gastrointestinal or gastroesophageal disability, including peptic ulcer disease and GERD due to inadequate VA examination opinions regarding toxic exposure risk activities (TERA) and hypertension.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a right foot disability and for a temporary total rating based on surgical convalescence. The appeal for service connection of GERD is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development and evaluation of his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar spine, bilateral foot, hearing loss, gastritis, GERD, sleep apnea, headaches, vision impairment, cervicalgia, knee disabilities, hip strains, and ankle strains.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for hernia, GERD, esophageal spasms and diverticulitis, bladder dysfunction, psoriasiform lesions, an acquired psychiatric disorder, vision problems/decreased vision, inflammatory arthritis, hammer toes and calcaneal spurs (right foot), inflammatory arthritis, hammer toes and calcaneal spurs (left foot), and a disability manifested by chest pain from appellate consideration.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, COPD, and hypertensive vascular disease are remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and verifying service in Thailand and Camp Lejeune. The PACT Act may be considered for these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and hypertension, finding that these conditions are proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.