GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's bilateral flatfoot disability, plantar fasciitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and prostate cancer are all granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for an increased rating for hiatal hernia with GERD was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Service connection claims for blepharitis, trichiasis, lumbosacral radiculopathy and piriformis syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the right side, and peripheral neuropathy of the left side were also denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for post-traumatic arthritis, left little finger, with residual mild flexion ankylosis is denied. The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent and not entitled to a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU, DEA benefits, and SMC prior to October 2, 2017 was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability during this period due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran also did not have a permanent total service-connected disability in effect prior to October 2, 2017. Effective April 19, 2021, but no earlier, the Veteran was granted SMC benefits based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at zero percent (noncompensable), and the Board denied a higher rating.,The Veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia with GERD is currently rated at ten percent, and the Board denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for GERD is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board will schedule the Veteran for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his GERD, considering the ameliorative effects of his medications.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to October 11, 2012 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed because this issue remains pending in the Legacy system.

The Board has decided that service connection for plantar fasciitis is denied. The remaining claims of service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis with chronic cough, anxiety, depression, insomnia, headaches, acid reflux with nausea, benign prostatic hyperplasia with voiding dysfunction, kidney stones, cervicalgia, lumbago, sciatica, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral elbow epicondylitis, a left knee condition, and right knee strain are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.,The Board found insufficient evidence to grant service connection for various conditions, including acid reflux and sleep apnea, due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for an increased rating for hiatal hernia with GERD was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Service connection claims for blepharitis, trichiasis, lumbosacral radiculopathy and piriformis syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the right side, and peripheral neuropathy of the left side were also denied.

The Veteran's GERD is not rated higher than 30 percent due to lack of severe impairment of health.,Right hip strain, limitation of extension, does not warrant a compensable rating as the flexion and extension are within normal limits.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to determine if the Veteran had active service in Southwest Asia on or after August 2, 1990. The claim will be reconsidered with respect to whether service connection can be granted under a theory of direct service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and remanded the claims of service connection for right hip, left elbow, right elbow, and right knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hiatal hernia, chronic diarrhea, esophageal ulcer, duodenal ulcer, and GERD due to a lack of adequate opinions regarding their etiology. The PACT Act requires VA to provide examinations and opinions in these cases.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for a separate rating for IBS from his service-connected GERD, finding that the predominant disability picture is best reflected by the diagnostic code for hiatal hernia (GERD).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition and no evidence of a continuity of symptoms since service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD was remanded due to inadequate opinion regarding whether NSAID use aggravates his GERD.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, deviated septum disability, hernia disability, and GERD as there is no evidence of a current disability during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at a 30 percent initial rating, but no higher. The Board affords the Veteran the benefit of doubt and finds that his characteristic prostrating attacks occur more frequently than once every two months.,The GERD with constipation claim is remanded as there was insufficient evidence to determine its current severity.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and further examination. The issues include OSA, RA, anosmia (loss of sense of smell), GERD, interstitial lung disease, and a large intestine disability.