GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2024

Service connection is granted for deviated septum, back disability (lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis), left elbow lateral epicondylitis, left wrist tendonitis, psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder), non-allergic rhinitis, enlarged tonsils, anemia, and disability manifested by widespread muscle and joint pain.,Service connection is denied for tinnitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), esophagitis, and hiatal hernia as there is no persuasive evidence that these conditions began during her periods of active duty or are related to any in-service injury or illness.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were remanded due to the need for additional development. The effective dates for TDIU and DEA remain at December 13, 2019.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

Entitlement to service connection for migraines, hypertension, and pseudofolliculitis barbae is dismissed as these conditions were granted in new claims filed after the initial denial.,Entitlement to service connection for tinnitus was previously denied in December 2018 and has not been appealed within the time frame allowed by VA regulations. The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are being remanded due to incomplete STRs and inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new opinion on whether his right shoulder disability is secondary to his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia, status post Nissan fundoplication and severe abdominal cramping. The rating for his gastroesophageal reflux disease will also be reconsidered.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD, and the Board dismissed the case as a result.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between his current condition and his military service, including potential exposure to burn pits. The Board finds that a VA medical examination and opinion are needed to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical opinions and a need for further examination. The Veteran's hiatal hernia is being reviewed, with consideration of whether it is related to his service-connected right ankle sprain.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for gastrointestinal conditions, headaches, left hallux valgus with pain and swelling, and right hallux valgus with pain and swelling are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, IBS, bilateral hip strain, bilateral ankle disability, right shoulder condition, acid reflux with nausea, rash with pruritus on back and arms, and service-connected PTSD-related HTN are not supported by evidence of a current disability. The Board has also determined that remand is necessary for additional development regarding the Veteran's claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's GERD and tension headaches have been granted maximum disability ratings of 60 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, but no higher. The finger injury claim was denied. Other service connection claims were also denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a headache disability and GERD with Barrett's esophagus due to duty-to-assist errors, including obtaining missing VA records and securing adequate medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the ameliorative effects of medication on the Veteran's GERD symptoms. The Veteran will need to undergo a VA examination to determine the current severity of his GERD without considering the impact of medication.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ must try to obtain relevant Social Security Administration (SSA) records and associate them with the claims file.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD as secondary to her service-connected PTSD with insomnia and TBI, finding that there is a causal nexus between the two conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current GERD is at least as likely as not caused by his chronic use of NSAIDs to treat pain from his service-connected right ankle disability, and thus grants service connection for GERD.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and the Board dismissed the case.