GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2024

The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error regarding the Veteran's claimed esophageal disability and remanded for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for correction of error in satisfying regulatory or statutory duty, specifically regarding the assignment of a new diagnostic code for the Veteran's esophageal reflux with hiatal hernia.

The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to ensure substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are granted as secondary to his service-connected back disability.,The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is granted as caused by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for his service-connected back and knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for GERD has been dismissed as she withdrew her appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's appeal of an increased rating for unspecified depressive disorder has been dismissed due to her withdrawal request. Her secondary service connection claim for GERD remains pending.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the etiology of the Veteran's GERD and its relationship to his service-connected left shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his authorized representative.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for GERD is being remanded due to the need for further evaluation of his symptoms.

The Veteran's GERD, lumbosacral strain, left hip iliopsoas tendinitis, right hip osteoarthritis and iliopsoas tendinitis, left knee condition to include tendonitis/tendinosis, and erectile dysfunction are all granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD as secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease L5/S1 with laminectomy is granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error.

The Veteran's bilateral tinnitus has been assigned the maximum schedular evaluation (10%) and is not entitled to a higher rating.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating as it only involves loss of erectile power without penile deformity.,Prior to August 12, 2020, the Veteran's GERD was manifested by nausea but did not present with symptoms warranting a higher evaluation (e.g., epigastric distress).,Since August 12, 2020, the Veteran's GERD has been manifested by specific symptoms that do not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD, finding it secondary to the Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active duty in Iraq and are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD should be remanded due to a duty to assist error and insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, back disability, and GERD have been denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, but his claim was denied because he did not submit a completed VA Form 21-8940. The Board finds that a formal application form is not required and there is sufficient information regarding the Veteran's educational and employment history. However, there is insufficient information regarding the functional impact solely due to the service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's mechanical low back strain and right shoulder arthralgia are not rated higher than the current 10 percent levels.,The initial ratings for right and left shin splints have been granted at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD was denied, and an effective date prior to June 17, 2014, is not warranted.