GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's depression and anxiety are granted on a secondary basis, while tinnitus is granted. High cholesterol, left leg disability (apart from service-connected left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy), right leg disability (apart from service-connected right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy), coronary artery disease (CAD), erectile dysfunction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, and thyroid disability are all denied. The Veteran's sleep apnea, headaches, and TDIU claims are remanded.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) are remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's headache condition, hypertension, and GERD are each remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's service connection claims for a headache condition, hypertension, and GERD are remanded due to the inextricability of these issues with his acquired psychiatric disorder claim.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is remanded for an examination to determine its etiology.,The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's dental condition, claimed as extracted teeth, is denied due to lack of evidence showing a current disability for VA compensation purposes.,Service connection for the right shoulder disability is denied because there is no direct service connection and the Veteran's current disability is less likely related to his in-service injury. The examiner noted that the current shoulder disability is more likely related to time and age rather than the in-service injury.,The Veteran's right arm disability is not supported by evidence of a current disability for VA compensation purposes.,Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded as there is no direct service connection established.,Service connection for a kidney disability, claimed as a 'hump' on the kidney, is remanded due to lack of evidence supporting its relationship with in-service events or diseases.,Service connection for polycythemia is remanded because it has not been shown to be related to an already service-connected condition (hemorrhoids and hiatal hernia) or a pre-existing condition aggravated by the service-connected conditions.,An initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right knee DJD with limitation of flexion from November 29, 2018 is remanded due to lack of evidence supporting an increased disability level.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee DJD with limitation of flexion prior to November 29, 2018 is remanded due to lack of evidence supporting an increased disability level.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee DJD with lateral instability prior to November 29, 2018 is remanded due to lack of evidence supporting an increased disability level.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee DJD is remanded due to lack of evidence supporting an increased disability level.,An initial rating in excess of 30 percent for hiatal hernia with GERD prior to November 29, 2011 is remanded due to lack of evidence supporting an increased disability level.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for hiatal hernia with GERD from November 29, 2011 to February 4, 2020 is remanded due to lack of evidence supporting an increased disability level.,An initial rating in excess of 60 percent for hiatal hernia with GERD since February 4, 2020 is remanded due to lack of evidence supporting an increased disability level.,Total disability rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to service connected disability (TDIU) is remanded as there is no direct service connection established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus have been reopened, but the Board has not yet issued a decision on these issues.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for GERD is remanded as there is insufficient medical evidence to make a determination.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for migraines and GERD, as well as service connection for hypertension, are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions. The issue of entitlement to total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) has also been raised by the record.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the rating for GERD with hiatal hernia was dismissed due to his withdrawal. The appeals for PTSD, low back disability, cervical spine degenerative joint disease, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability are remanded.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia and cholecystectomy is granted a 60 percent rating, effective from the date of this decision. The right knee patellofemoral syndrome remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) claimed as stomach pain is dismissed. The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches is granted.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The gastrointestinal condition, including GERD and diarrhea, and the bilateral hip disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy is granted a 40 percent disability rating. The issue of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the relationship between GERD and her service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's claims, including service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, GERD, left leg shin splint, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, and respiratory condition. The Veteran is presumed to have toxic exposure in service due to his Persian Gulf War service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), diverticulosis, diseases of the nail on his left foot, hemorrhoids, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The case is remanded to obtain medical opinions regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to the current evidence showing no more than moderate incomplete paralysis.,VA examinations for insomnia disorder, GERD, constipation, hemorrhoids, and scars of the back and hemorrhoids scars were conducted in May 2018. The Veteran's representative has indicated that her conditions have worsened since these exams.

The Veteran's cervicalgia is granted as secondary to his service-connected right shoulder disability. A 10 percent rating for GERD prior to December 16, 2019 is granted. An extraschedular rating for GERD from December 16, 2019 is denied. Ratings higher than 10 percent for both the right knee and right ankle disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's GERD was granted a 10 percent rating, effective October 8, 2015. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date or higher ratings for GERD.

The Board has remanded the case due to new theories of entitlement and inadequate medical opinions. The Veteran's GERD is being evaluated for potential service connection secondary to his OSA, and a toxic exposure risk activity opinion regarding GERD is needed.

The Veteran is granted TDIU on an extraschedular basis for the period prior to March 28, 2012 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.,For the period from March 28, 2012, the Veteran's right fibula disability alone is sufficient to warrant TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including panic attacks, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed for the issues of increased ratings and service connection. Service connection was granted for GERD, chronic cough, and diabetes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and separate evaluations for her colon condition with colon polyps and GERD are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence.