GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder has been reopened, with the new VA medical opinion confirming that the current degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was incurred in service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches has also been reopened, as there are STR showing complaints and treatment for headaches during service. The Board found these records to be new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder remains denied due to lack of new and material evidence that relates the current arthritis to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for loss of teeth has been reopened, but no new and material evidence was found to support his contention that dental trauma occurred during service.,Service connection for GERD is granted based on objective indications of a chronic disability (gastroesophageal reflux disease) that became manifest in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf War.

The Veteran's right hip trochanteric bursitis and GERD disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation. Service connection is also being remanded for several other conditions.

The Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome and unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder have been granted. The heart disability claim is remanded, as are the claims for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, right knee, left knee, and right ankle. The Veteran's gastritis with GERD claim also requires further examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ED, OSA, gastritis and GERD, and tension headaches have been granted.,Service connection has been established for these conditions based on the reopening of previously denied claims due to new and material evidence.

The Veteran's current obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, right knee patellar tendonitis, and left knee patellar tendonitis and plica irritation. The other conditions are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal should be re-docketed under the Legacy system and his March 2019 VA Form 10182 is accepted as a timely NOD for the issues on appeal. The Veteran will have the opportunity to request a hearing before the Board or file a substantive appeal.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine disorder, and the remaining issues have been remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the claims for service connection of various conditions, including right ankle, cervical spine, right hip, head injuries (including headaches), acquired psychiatric disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, bilateral pes planus, and Parkinson's disease. The VA will obtain relevant records from SSA and VA treatment providers and conduct new examinations to provide a clear determination on these claims.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection. The case is being remanded to allow for a review of new and relevant evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a sleep disorder is dismissed as the appellant withdrew his claims prior to the promulgation of a decision. The Board also remanded several other issues including service connection for bilateral foot disability, chronic fatigue, major depressive disorder, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right knee strain with history of Baker's cyst and effusion, gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD), total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU), and special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need of regular aid and attendance of another.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA medical opinions and the need for an adequate VA examination. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability is presumed to be related to herbicide agent exposure during service, but the VA Secretary determined there is no positive association between such exposure and gastrointestinal disorders.

The Board has ordered a remand for further development of the Veteran's gastritis disability, including obtaining an examination to determine its etiology and whether it is related to service-connected conditions or medications.

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The Veteran's conditions include PTSD, a painful irritable eye condition, sleep disturbance with mild apnea, headaches, left knee pain, right knee pain, neck pain, numbness and light headedness, right ankle pain, right hip disability, stomach issues (GERD and gastroparesis), degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and hearing loss. The claims are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for a new examination to determine if GERD is related to service, including exposure to Gulf War toxins.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for GERD and diverticulosis with Schatzki's ring was granted at a 60 percent level. The noncompensable rating for esophagal stricture prior to August 29, 2023 was denied. A 50 percent rating for the period from August 29, 2023 to October 3, 2023 and a noncompensable rating thereafter were granted. The Veteran's cervical spine condition received an initial disability rating of 20 percent. His right and left upper extremity radiculopathy each received an initial disability rating of 20 percent. The lumbar spine condition was initially rated at 20 percent prior to March 23, 2016 and denied a higher rating thereafter.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify potential exposure to environmental toxins at Fort McClellan, including PCBs, TCE, asbestos, radioactive compounds, chemical warfare agents, or other toxic substances.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, asthma, bronchitis, COPD, tinnitus, GERD/IBS, and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment for the period on appeal. The Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cyst behind the right ear has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and GERD, requiring additional development to obtain medical records and provide a new VA examination.