GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DCs 7305-7307.

The Veteran's GERD has been stable with medication, but does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating due to lack of symptoms such as dysphagia, pyrosis, or substernal pain.,The Veteran's bilateral lateral epicondylitis is rated at 0 percent under the analogous code for arthritis, degenerative. The current examination did not show any limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for non-service-connected pension benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records. The case will be readjudicated after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations and the criteria for each condition. The initial ratings assigned are generally in line with the severity of his conditions.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for information from Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding disability determinations and medical records.

The Veteran's asthma was not found to be related to service.,A chronic skin disorder was not found to be related to service.,GERD was not found to be related to service.,Liver disorder was not found to be related to service.,Diabetes mellitus was not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's current service-connected disabilities, including her status-post left tibia fracture, have caused or resulted in her current gastrointestinal disorder (GERD). As a result, the Board finds that she is entitled to service connection for GERD as secondary to her service-connected disability.

The Veteran's GERD has been manifested by symptoms of epigastric distress and pyrosis, with regurgitation and occasional episodes of substernal pain. The initial compensable disability rating for GERD is granted for the portion of the appeal period extending from September 29, 2004 to March 18, 2008.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of GERD is related to her active military service, and thus grants her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected chronic duodenal and gastric ulcers, chronic gastritis, esophagitis, duodenitis, and GERD with mild anemia is manifested by dull aching and burning epigastric pain, reflux or regurgitation one to two times per week, frequent daily nausea, vomiting four to five times per month, occasional diarrhea, and mild asymptomatic anemia. The Veteran's disability picture has remained consistent since the last VA examination in June 2008.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia, as well as bilateral knee arthritis. The Board found that there was no evidence of a current low back disability to support service connection.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS is currently rated at 10 percent, effective January 11, 2006. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to the severity of his symptoms and their impact on daily life.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a personal hearing before the Board. The issues of service connection for polyneuropathy associated with herbicide exposure, Graves disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder are pending.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for GERD, respiratory disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral foot disorder. The new evidence submitted by the Veteran and her spouse supports a current diagnosis of these conditions and their onset in service. However, no definitive clinical diagnoses have been provided post-service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The maximum schedular rating of 40 percent has been assigned for fibromyalgia, which is the highest available under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's IBS with history of GERD and sliding hiatal hernia is not rated higher than 10 percent for the period from July 1, 2005 to May 25, 2009. For the period since May 26, 2009, a separate rating of 30 percent for chronic laryngitis due to GERD is granted. Service connection was denied for right wrist disability and duodenitis/PUD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a stomach disorder, but it is still denied as there is no medical evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, increased initial rating in excess of 30 percent for GERD with hiatal hernia, and TDIU were denied. The issue of service connection for a disorder of the feet, claimed as arthritis, was withdrawn by the Veteran.

The Board granted service connection for a sleep disorder, muscle discomfort as secondary to PTSD and headaches, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Veteran's right ankle disability was rated at 20 percent, with an additional 10 percent rating for the scar resulting from surgery in September 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and basal cell carcinoma have been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during his active service or a causal link to his service.,There is no presumption of service connection based on herbicide exposure.