GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension and gastrointestinal disorder, to include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is denied. The gastrointestinal disorder issue has been remanded due to a lack of a medical nexus opinion in the initial decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for bilateral lower extremity tinea pedis was withdrawn. The Veteran's GERD is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and the Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected GERD was granted, restoring the disability rating to 30 percent effective February 1, 2020. The reduction from a previous 30% rating to a current 10% rating is upheld.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for service connection for a gastroesophageal disability, to include eosinophilic esophagitis and GERD. The appeal regarding the neck disability is remanded.

The Veteran's service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hypertension is granted. The Veteran also received an increased initial rating of 60 percent for his GERD disability.

The Veteran's OSA with asthma is granted a 30% rating, effective July 16, 2024.,An effective date of August 1, 2020 for the increased rating of GERD to 10%. The Veteran's major depressive disorder remains at a noncompensable rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, as well as related secondary service connection and exposure issues. The VA will need to obtain an addendum opinion regarding possible radiation exposure during service and the subsequent development of prostate cancer, as well as causation and aggravation due to his service-connected IBS with gallbladder removal, GERD and chronic gastritis.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.,The Veteran's non-melanoma skin cancer, previously claimed as melanoma, is related to his conceded herbicide exposure in the Republic of Vietnam.

The Veteran's GERD with PUD is currently rated at 10 percent, but an increased rating of 60 percent is granted beginning October 30, 2020.,Service connection for the Veteran's sinus condition with shortness of breath is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's tinnitus was granted service connection. Service connection for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss was denied, as well as a compensable rating for left hip flexion disability and service connection for celiac syndrome and GERD.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to a service-connected condition, and left ear hearing loss. Right ear hearing loss was denied due to no current disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability other than unspecified insomnia, a bladder or urinary disorder, and GERD have been denied. The Veteran's claim for increased rating of his headache disability has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for acid reflux, as it is unclear whether the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service treatment or if it is secondary to his PTSD medications.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the combined disability rating exceeded the maximum allowable under the amputation rule. The GERD claim was also denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is granted. The issue of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the Veteran withdrew it prior to a decision being made.

The Board has restored the Veteran's rating for GERD from 10% to 60%, effective June 1, 2020.

The Board has decided to remand all of the Veteran's claims, including those for higher ratings for his bladder condition, bilateral knee instability, and other conditions. The TDIU claim is also being remanded. Additional evidence will be considered, and new examinations may be required.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to insufficient resolution of medical questions regarding its etiology and whether it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected ulcerative colitis.