GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with the exception of those related to hearing loss and arthritis pain. The Veteran was also awarded initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for certain conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD, as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Board has remanded the case for further development and an examination.

The Veteran's asthma is service connected, but his digestive problems are not. The Board found that the current digestive issues are unrelated to service.

The Veteran's lumbar strain and GERD have been rated, with the initial rating of 10 percent for both conditions effective December 1, 2009. The RO has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a personal hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbar strain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, hallux valgus of the left foot, and GERD were granted with a 20 percent rating effective from January 16, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were generally granted, with some issues remanded. The cervical spine disability was granted a higher rating after April 26, 2006, while other conditions like gastritis, hemorrhoids, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome in the left wrist, PTSD, tinnitus, hypertension, and vertigo/dizziness (claimed as dizziness) were not established as service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux with Barrett's esophagus, to include as due to exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange), is being remanded for additional development of medical records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with peptic ulcers were denied. The Veteran's service connection claims are based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary to another condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction due to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II, is granted. The claims for hiatal hernia with GERD and other conditions are being remanded as new evidence was submitted post-October 2006 SOC.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression and Xanax abuse (70%), gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) (30%), degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine (10%), and status post laparoscopy including scars (10%), render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed low back disorder, stomach disorder, and hiatal hernia/gastroesophageal reflux disease are not related to his period of active service. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is causally related to his service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including IBS, hiatal hernia, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and duodenitis, has been manifested by diarrhea and constant abdominal distress. The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions. The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including VA examinations and the provision of updated medical records.

The Board denied all issues related to service connection and initial evaluations for various disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for increased ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hiatal hernia with GERD, irritable colon syndrome (ICS), and diverticulitis. The Veteran was rated based on predominant disability picture of hiatal hernia with GERD.

The Veteran's GERD is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and the criteria for service connection by aggravation have been met. The issue of prostate cancer has been remanded due to the need for special development procedures under VA regulations.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for GERD, and denied this claim.