GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for her service-connected gastroesophageal disease (GERD) with gastritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of evidence showing an increase in disability before the effective dates assigned.,An earlier effective date is not granted as there is no indication that an increase occurred prior to the effective dates assigned.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleep disorder is dismissed as the grant of service connection for generalized anxiety disorder incorporates the Veteran's insomnia.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lateral epicondylitis/ulnar entrapment of right elbow and tendonitis of the right shoulder are denied due to lack of additional functional impairment during flare-ups.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and has remanded the remaining issues due to lack of VA treatment records.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.,The claim for a cervical spine disability, claimed as neck disability, is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities.,Service connection for acid reflux and stomach ulcers are granted as secondary to medications taken for his now service-connected acquired psychiatric disability.,Service connection for sleep apnea is granted as secondary to medications taken for his now service-connected acquired psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders are caused and aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The Board has granted the claim for service connection, but the effective date of the TDIU is remanded due to insufficient clinical evidence.

The Veteran's skin disability, GERD, and prostate cancer are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his active service, particularly his toxic exposure in Southwest Asia.,A TERA examination is required to assess the relationship between any service-connected disabilities and the Veteran's GERD.

The Veteran's PTSD, GERD, and migraines have been granted initial compensable evaluations. The appeal for service connection of other conditions (dyspnea, acne, blurred vision, fatigue, vertigo, syncope, and dizziness) has been remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU and SMC based on housebound status are granted due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, PTSD, and other conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional records. The Veteran also argued that there was evidence of worsening since her last VA examination, which should be addressed on the VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and consideration of additional evidence.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection for asthma, hypertension, plantar fasciitis, emphysema, GERD, and hyperlipidemia. The claim for service connection for COPD was reopened but denied due to lack of causal relationship with service.

The Veteran's IBS is granted with a maximum 30 percent rating. The Board has determined that further examinations are needed for her kidney and bladder issues, right toe disability, right shoulder condition, vertigo, gastrointestinal disorder (including GERD), and fatigue.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the severity of the Veteran's GERD with IBS prior to October 12, 2018, and from October 12, 2018, to October 8, 2020. The case is also remanded for a determination on whether the Veteran should receive a rating greater than 30 percent for his GERD with IBS as of October 9, 2020.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as stomach issues), and sleep disorder are granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's headache disability had its onset in service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and clarification due to non-compliance with previous remand directives. The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded as there is insufficient medical evidence addressing whether any of her service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated obesity, which may be a substantial factor in causing the conditions.

The Veteran's PVD is granted a 30% rating, but no more. The Veteran's GERD and LLE radiculopathy prior to March 30, 2018 are denied ratings in excess of 10%. Service connection for Chronic Pain Syndrome is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the secondary service connection claims for GERD and ED. The Veteran's conditions are being considered as potentially caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current GERD with dysphagia is likely related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection for stroke residuals, blood clots, memory loss, and headaches. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for various disorders are remanded.