GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has granted increased ratings of 10% for the veteran's service-connected residuals of hyperextension injury to the lower back and gastroesophageal reflux disease, effective July 1, 1998.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for PTSD with major depression, service connection for somatic dysfunction of the thoracic and lumbar spines and bilateral sacroiliac joints, and gastroesophageal reflux.

The Board found that the veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected prepyloric ulcer has resolved, and his current symptoms are attributable to hiatal hernia, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As a result, the veteran does not meet the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied because there is no current clinical diagnosis of all claimed conditions, and medical evidence does not establish a causal connection between the treatment received in June 1991 and the veteran's current disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, increased ratings for degenerative disc disease and hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux and erosive esophagitis, and a compensable rating for bilateral defective hearing. The veteran's heart condition is not linked to service or a service-connected disability. His back disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5292 or 5393. His hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux and erosive esophagitis meets the criteria for a 10% rating, but his hearing loss is noncompensable.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an eye condition, heart disorder, GERD, hypertension, recurrent headaches, and intestinal disorder are not well-grounded. The Board denied these claims as the evidence does not support a finding of in-service disease or injury that could be linked to current disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's GERD existed prior to his military service and was aggravated by active duty, warranting service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the claim for service connection of gastroesophageal reflux secondary to PTSD and also denied the request for an effective date earlier than September 25, 2000 for a 100% evaluation for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, specifically gastroesophageal reflux disease, was incurred during active military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's need for aid and attendance is established, granting her special monthly pension based on this need.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of an excision of a benign oral lesion, melanoacanthoma is granted. The veteran's cervical condition is currently asymptomatic and does not require continuous treatment. Ratings are granted for bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, right wrist de Quervain's syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux.

The Board found no evidence of chronic conditions present during service or within the first post-service year, and denied claims for direct service connection for gastroesophageal reflux, sinusitis, headaches, and a low back condition.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was not well-grounded, as there is no evidence showing a causal connection between his VA surgeries and his current hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and assistance, or based on permanent housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating for hypertension with sporadic premature ventricular contractions. The issues of low back disability, deviated nasal septum, rhinitis with enlarged turbinates, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were also addressed but are pending further development.

The veteran's joint pain and gastrointestinal symptoms are not service-connected due to the lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service, particularly Gulf War exposure.

The veteran's fibromyalgia and gastroesophageal reflux disorder with hiatal hernia status post cholecystectomy have been granted service connection, but are currently rated at the minimum (10%) level.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the appellant's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease/hiatal hernia and left pubic ramus fracture with left lumbar plexopathy/radiculopathy, both currently rated at 10 percent.