GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and epicondylitis of the right elbow, assigning a 10 percent rating effective August 1, 2000.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease, but denied his request for an initial disability rating in excess of zero percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease with peptic esophagitis, including obtaining an updated VA examination and ensuring compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cardiovascular disease with mitral valve prolapse, an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for GERD, a higher evaluation for dysthymic disorder, and an increased evaluation for chronic bronchitis.

The veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal condition is rated at 30 percent, but the issues of residuals from surgery to the lungs and pancreas, left elbow injury, right ankle sprain, conjunctivitis (blurred vision), removal of a hyperkeratotic papule on the back, and musculoskeletal chest wall pain are all denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for hiatal hernia to include gastroesophageal reflux disease, status post Nissen fundoplication is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of whether he should be granted a higher, extraschedular evaluation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to issues related to his service-connected appendectomy and peritoneal adhesions. The RO must obtain medical records, schedule the veteran for an examination, and address both issues together as they are inextricably intertwined.

The veteran's arthritis of the right shoulder was granted service connection and a 10 percent evaluation. The propriety of an initial 10 percent evaluation for GERD was also granted.

The Board has ordered further development in the veteran's case, including a comprehensive VA examination to determine the nature and extent of his gastrointestinal disabilities. The issues on appeal are about service connection for additional disability claimed as cholelithiasis and an increased evaluation for residuals of peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for major depression with anxiety and remanded the other issues to allow for further development.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, as the veteran's service-connected conditions prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted a 20% evaluation for the service-connected left knee disorder, effective from June 17, 1998. The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer are rated at 10%. The issues of entitlement to increased evaluations remain pending.

The Board has determined that the appellant's gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia are related to his military service, warranting service connection. The left hand disability issue is not addressed in this decision.

The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease is found to be secondary to her service-connected tenosynovitis of the right Achilles tendon with fascial muscle tear.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current neurological disability manifested by tingling and numbness involving the left side of the body due to service. The initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss, irritable colon syndrome, GERD, and post-traumatic headaches are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder as secondary to his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left shoulder, finding that there was no evidence supporting the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to recent invalidated regulations and incomplete evidence.

The Board finds that the veteran's stomach disorders were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for his stomach disorders.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current psychiatric, gastrointestinal, or cardiovascular conditions to service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is not considered service-connected due to lack of medical evidence connecting it to service. Residuals from colon cancer surgery and irritable bowel syndrome are also not linked to service. Hypertension was not shown to be related to service either.

The Board has determined that the veteran's disability manifested by left arm and left hand discomfort had its onset during her period of active duty, granting service connection for this condition. The claim of service connection for acid reflux is remanded to the RO.