GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's GERD was evaluated at a 10 percent rating, and the Board found that his symptoms did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of exposure to weapons of mass destruction, TBI residuals, and GERD are remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The claim for TBI residuals is also remanded for a VA examination.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for left hip flexion and impairment disabilities are denied.,The Veteran's initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD is denied.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent, the maximum for hiatal hernia under Diagnostic Code 7346. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no documented history of recurrent esophageal stricture requiring dilatation more than twice per year.

The reduction in evaluation from 20 percent to 10 percent disabling for GERD was improper, and the criteria for restoration of the 20 percent rating are met. The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for CFS is denied, and his evaluation in excess of 70 percent for PTSD with substance abuse is also denied.

The Veteran's migraines are granted with a 30 percent rating, but no higher. The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease remains at the 10 percent level.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including diverticulitis with GERD and resection of the small intestine, sleep apnea, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, right lower extremity sciatica, and left lower extremity sciatica. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at a 30 percent rating, and the Board has found that this rating is appropriate based on his symptoms. The claim for an increased rating is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding the severity of his condition without medication.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for cervical strain, and denied service connection for various shoulder disabilities, radiculopathy, lower back injury, GERD, and IBS.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of December 2, 2018, for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted. The Board found that the criteria were met and resolved reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected Crohn's disease with resection of the small intestine is denied. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for GERD, finding that a VA examination and medical opinion are needed.

The Veteran's claim for an initial 60 percent evaluation for service-connected GERD has been granted. The Board also remanded the claims for cervical spine disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, left shoulder disorder, and right shoulder disorder.

The Veteran's GERD was granted an initial rating of 30 percent, but no higher, effective May 5, 2021. The Board found the evidence supported a 30 percent disability rating based on considerable impairment of health due to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and chest pain.

The Board has denied service connection for erectile dysfunction and left ear hearing loss, finding no current diagnosis or evidence of such conditions during the appeal period.,For the period on appeal, the Veteran's left ear hearing loss was rated as noncompensable due to having a puretone threshold at 52.5 decibels with an average score of 52.5 and a speech recognition score of 98%.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD with hiatal hernia as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for GERD and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance is denied due to failure to report for VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher evaluation for GERD (acid reflux) has been dismissed because the appellant requested to withdraw the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for GERD, secondary to a service-connected back condition, is dismissed because the VA Form 10182 was not timely filed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the date of remission and metastasis of his cancer, as well as clarification on the treatment records subsequent to October 2011.