GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development regarding whether the Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease was caused or aggravated by his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol dependence.

The Board found that the appellant's gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypothyroidism and Synthroid medication.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, right ear hearing loss disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were denied as the evidence did not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, right and left shoulder tendonitis, depressive disorder, cervical spondylosis, lumbar degenerative discs, a left knee disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a left pelvic disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, sinus residuals of a rhinoplasty and septoplasty, a left foot disorder, hypertension, genitourinary (urethral) disorder, and rosacea on the nose, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since April 1, 2001. The Board finds that his service-connected disabilities meet the percentage criteria for TDIU throughout the entire appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have GERD, sciatic nerve disorder, or arthritis of the fingers on objective examination and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected duodenal ulcer with gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease contributed to his death by causing undernourishment, malabsorption syndrome, and aspiration pneumonia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new examination to assess the current severity of his GERD and any related arm and shoulder pain.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD does not result in the need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to its severity. Other nonservice-connected conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, hypertension, cerebrovascular accident, GERD, and peripheral vascular disease are more significant contributors to his functional limitations.

The Veteran's low back strain, right hip bursitis, and left hip bursitis have been granted service connection.,Service connection for a cervical spine disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has not been established.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, was not service-connected. His diabetes mellitus has been rated at the highest possible level (100%) since March 6, 2009.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for gastroesophageal reflux disease, hemorrhoids, sinusitis, and dermatophytosis of the right thigh and groin region as they do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD is not secondary to his service-connected gastritis or the result of medication taken for a service-connected back condition, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a separate evaluation for diverticulitis was denied, and his current rating of 30 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease with irritable bowel syndrome, hiatal hernia, H-pylori, and diverticulitis is upheld. The issue of increased ratings for sinusitis/allergic rhinitis remains pending.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including ischemic heart disease and hypertension, are granted due to exposure to herbicides in the Republic of Vietnam. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis C and an evaluation in excess of 20 percent disabling for postoperative duodenal ulcer with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed related to his exposure to herbicides during service in the Republic of Vietnam. His gastroesophageal disorder and acquired psychiatric disorders are also granted as secondary to his diabetes mellitus.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating or service connection for his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected acid reflux disease was found to not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating, with symptoms of difficulty swallowing and regurgitation. The RO denied her claim for an increased rating.

The Board has denied all service connection claims, except for PTSD and abdominal scar. The Veteran's bilateral shin splints, left hip quad strain, GERD, stomach ulcer, residuals of a fracture of the right 5th toe, neck disability, abnormal pap test, ovarian cyst, constipation, hemorrhoids, left knee disability, and sinusitis have not been found to be related to her military service.