GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for GERD and migraine headaches due to potential toxic exposure during military service in Kuwait and Afghanistan. A TERA-specific examination is required.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that it is related to his service-connected left foot disability.

The Veteran's GERD, including Barrett's esophagus and hiatal hernia, is found to be aggravated by the medications for his service-connected lumbar spine condition and adjustment disorder with anxiety.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his digestive condition, including duodenal ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), was denied as the initial claim was filed on June 18, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for mood disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and bladder dysfunction are remanded due to the need for VA examinations and review of private medical records.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran asserts that his gastritis and GERD are caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus and left foot hallux valgus deformity.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a right ankle sprain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hallux valgus of the right foot, hallux valgus of the left foot, and tinea pedis have been granted. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for increased ratings for his knee strains.

The Veteran's GERD and Erectile Dysfunction are found to be at least as likely as not related to his service-connected back disability, thus granting service connection for both conditions on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to June 13, 2022, for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and erectile dysfunction have been denied.,An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for GERD, kidney disease, and peripheral vascular disease poor circulation due to a lack of a VA examination addressing the Veteran's theories of entitlement. The Veteran was not provided with an adequate medical opinion on direct and secondary basis.

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring further examination and opinion regarding service connection for an esophageal disorder related to in-service toxic exposures.

The Veteran's GERD and constipation have been rated at a 10% level since June 3, 2014. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating for GERD under the new criteria effective May 19, 2024. A separate rating for constipation is also not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for left patellofemoral pain syndrome, right hip impingement syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for chronic sinusitis was dismissed as moot because the claim had already been fully granted with an effective date of October 18, 2021. The claims for GERD and IBS were remanded due to a duty to assist error in scheduling VA examinations. The bilateral hip, ankle, wrist, and shoulder disabilities were also remanded.

The Veteran's OSA with asthma is rated at 50 percent, and his GERD, hiatal hernia, Barrett's disease, duodenitis, cirrhosis of the liver, and diverticulosis are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS is rated at 10 percent, the minimum rating available under VA regulations. The Board found that his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia and diabetes mellitus have been granted service connection. The claim for diabetes mellitus is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

Service connection is granted for headaches.,Service connection is granted for GERD as secondary to service-connected headaches.,Service connection is granted for a respiratory disorder, including chronic cough, allergic rhinitis, and/or sinusitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to March 3, 2014, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and migraines are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.