GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, an increased rating for postoperative HNP of the lumbar spine, and a higher rating for dislocation of the left shoulder. The claim for left chest pain due to cardiovascular procedure was not addressed as it did not involve service connection.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been granted, with a 10 percent evaluation effective from March 24, 1998. The RO also granted secondary service connection and assigned a zero percent rating for the veteran's cervical strain and post-traumatic headaches.

The Board denied service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia, finding that the conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's appeal for service connection on multiple issues was denied. The cervical spine fracture at C3-4 is rated as noncompensable, and the veteran's other claims were not well-grounded.

The Board determined that the veteran does not have current diverticulitis, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The VA has granted a 60 percent disability rating for the veteran's GERD, hiatal hernia (Barrett's esophagus), postoperative transhiatal esophagectomy. The maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 7346 is in effect.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gastrointestinal reflux disease and patellofemoral pain syndrome of both knees, finding that her claims were not well grounded. The RO granted service connection for patellofemoral pain syndrome of both knees but assigned zero percent ratings.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a stomach disorder and joint pain, as these conditions have been diagnosed rather than due to an undiagnosed illness. The skin condition is granted as due to an undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux, claimed as secondary to a service-connected disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and notification.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims of service connection for muscle spasms and PLMS/myoclonus as an undiagnosed neurological illness, GERD, and tinea versicolor. The decision also indicates that further clarification is needed regarding the environmental hazards to which the appellant was exposed during his tour in the Persian Gulf War.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, headaches, and sleeping difficulty. The noncompensable rating assigned for his atypical chest pain was also denied.

The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux, and has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for hypercholesterolemia.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depression and somatoform disorder, IBS, GERD, headaches, and hemorrhoids, are found to be of such severity as to preclude her from obtaining or retaining a substantially gainful occupation. The combined rating for these conditions meets the criteria for TDIU.

The veteran's headaches are found to be secondary to PTSD. His skin condition is considered to have been incurred during service, and his stomach disorder is determined to be related to PTSD. The veteran's PTSD remains at a 30 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as his claim for increased evaluations of his knee disabilities. The psychiatric disability was granted but with some limitation due to its secondary nature to the knee conditions.

The Board granted the veteran's request for an effective date prior to February 2, 1995 for a 30 percent evaluation of his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to multiple physical disabilities, including degenerative intervertebral disc disease of the lumbar spine, traumatic arthritis of the right ankle joint, reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the right leg and foot, mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for GERD and service connection for a chronic lung disorder as secondary to GERD was denied by the RO. The case is being remanded for additional development.

The veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent. The appeal for service connection for hemorrhoids and gastroesophageal reflux disease remains pending as additional evidence is required.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) and dyspepsia, as well as his claim for an undiagnosed illness manifested by diarrhea and abdominal pain. The RO is instructed to schedule another gastrointestinal examination and issue a statement of the case on the issues of service connection for migraine headaches, including loss of left eye vision, fatigue, and joint pain.