GERD (acid reflux) decisions — 2025

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for GERD, cholecystectomy and contracted gallbladder.

The Board granted initial ratings of 10 percent for residual left foot injury and 30 percent for migraine headaches, while denying initial compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, GERD, major depressive disorder with depressive features, insomnia disorder, and service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board denied service connection for various conditions and denied increased ratings for GERD, hypertension, chronic sinusitis, non-allergic rhinitis, bilateral hearing loss, functional abdominal pain syndrome, gastric ulcers, chronic fatigue syndrome, dermatitis - hands, post-traumatic stress disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. Service connection was granted for a major depressive disorder (MDD), unspecified trauma and stressor-related disorder, unspecified eating disorder, and alcohol use disorder.

The appeal of the February 2023 and April 2023 rating decisions concerning an earlier effective date for a 30-percent disability rating for service-connected IBS with GERD is dismissed as moot and as a matter of law.

The Board remands the claim for an increased rating of GERD to obtain a new medical opinion regarding the baseline severity of the Veteran's disability without considering the beneficial effects of medication.

The Board granted service connection for hemorrhoids, external or internal and denied an initial compensable evaluation for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The claims for readjudication of the previously denied claims for dermatophytosis, tinea pedis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and external or internal hemorrhoids were granted.

The Board remands the matter for another in-person VA examination to accurately assess the severity of the Veteran's GERD symptoms without the ameliorative effects of medication.

The Board remands the claims for further development, including obtaining additional VA medical center records and private treatment records from Dr. V., as well as scheduling new examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's disabilities.

The Board granted service connection for erectile dysfunction as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with dissociative disorder, alcohol dependence, and cannabis abuse. The claims for sleep apnea or any other sleep disorder, obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, hypertension, tension headaches, patellofemoral pain syndrome of both knees, thoracolumbar scoliosis, and upper back and neck pain were denied.

The Board granted service connection for a back disability and right sciatica with an effective date of August 17, 2022, but denied earlier effective dates for prostate disorder and GERD, as well as service connection for diabetes with diabetic neuropathy.

The Board remands the claims for higher disability ratings for hypertension, GERD, allergic rhinitis, and right knee to correct a duty to assist error.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD as the Veteran's symptoms have not been shown to result in considerable impairment of health.

The Board remands the claim for a new medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's GERD is aggravated by their service-connected IBS.

The Board denied service connection for a respiratory condition and an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The claims for service connection for various other conditions were remanded.

The Board granted service connection for GERD, secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee arthritis, status post knee surgery.

The appeal regarding the rating reduction proposal for GERD was dismissed, and a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for all service connection claims.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for GERD and IBS, and the Board has no jurisdiction to review these claims.

The appeal for service connection and increased ratings were dismissed due to impermissible concurrent elections.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for left hip condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and neurogenic bladder as further development is needed to obtain a medical opinion on direct service connection.