GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected GERD is remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA failed to obtain all treatment records from the San Juan VAMC, where the Veteran receives all his treatment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for diverticulosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to the need for a medical opinion regarding potential exposure to toxins during his Gulf War service.

The Veteran's initial rating for gastroparesis with GERD and hiatal hernia has been granted at a 60 percent level, the highest schedular rating. Additionally, the Veteran is now eligible for TDIU based on his service-connected gastroparesis.

The Veteran's hypertension and gastrointestinal disorder claims are being remanded due to deficiencies in the medical opinions provided. The issues of service connection for these conditions will be reconsidered with new evidence considered.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of September 25, 2020 for increased ratings of PTSD and migraine headaches, as well as eligibility for DEA benefits. The Veteran's appeal is denied in part due to a remand for additional records.

The Veteran's appeals for lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy were dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals.,The Veteran was granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder (achalasia with esophageal stricture status-post dilation with GERD) due to herbicide agent exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and IBS, finding that these conditions were aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected alcohol use disorder.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a neck condition, pes planus of the right foot, and back condition. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding these issues.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition was also remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran's T-11 anterior wedge compression fracture is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to limited forward flexion.,The Veteran's left knee patella tendonitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and there is no evidence of more than the normal limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including posttraumatic stress disorder. The GERD claim is denied as not related to service. The psychiatric disorder claim requires further examination due to inadequate reasoning.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Additionally, the Board has also granted secondary service connection for IBS and GERD as related to the Veteran's service-connected acquired psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's GERD was rated at 30 percent from March 15, 2021, to October 22, 2021, and from January 26, 2022. The Board found the evidence supported a higher rating for these periods.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right hip condition and GERD. The VA will need to provide new medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected left ankle and knee disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in relative equipoise, finding that the Veteran's GERD may be due to his service-connected PTSD. As a result, service connection for GERD is granted.

The Board has dismissed the claim of service connection for GERD as there is no longer a case in controversy.

The Board has decided to remand the claim of service connection for GERD as secondary to right foot disability due to NSAID pain medications. The Veteran's GERD is not considered at least as likely as not caused by or a result of his service-connected right foot condition, but further examination and opinion are needed to determine if it was aggravated.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, finding that there was no current diagnosis of GERD in his medical records and thus not meeting the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for this condition.,The Veteran's fibromyalgia is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating as his symptoms are constant and refractory to therapy.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are separately service-connected but do not warrant a separate rating as they are considered part of the fibromyalgia disability picture.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for GERD was dismissed because the Veteran submitted a Board Appeal prior to adjudication of his supplemental claim, which resulted in concurrent election of review options.