GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board found no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's cause of death to VA medical treatment, and denied the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease was incurred during his active service and is granted as service connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities are properly rated at 10 percent each, with no additional ratings for specific issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable evaluation, finding no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his period of active duty service.

The Board denied an increased rating for duodenitis with gastroesophageal reflux, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 16, 1998, for a 10 percent evaluation of service-connected gastroesophageal reflux.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, stomach condition, and heart condition as there is no evidence to support a finding of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with a combined evaluation of 70 percent effective from May 13, 1998. The specific conditions and issues are listed above.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 10 percent, and service connection for hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, cervical muscle strain, muscle tension headaches, and lumbar muscle strain are granted as secondary to his PTSD.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a well-grounded claim, and the current ratings are appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits was denied because his most disabling condition is substance abuse of misconduct origin, which cannot be considered in determining eligibility for pension benefits.

The Board found no medical evidence linking the veteran's current stomach disorder, gall bladder removal residuals, or cardiovascular disease to his military service. The claims were therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current knee disabilities are not service-connected, and his hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux is currently rated at 10 percent. The claim for higher evaluation remains pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis is not well-grounded, and his appeal for a compensable evaluation for gastroesophageal reflux disease with history of peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, and duodenitis is denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease with peptic esophagitis. The veteran is found to have a current disability related to his in-service exposure to noise trauma, which supports his claim for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. For gastroesophageal reflux disease with peptic esophagitis, the Board finds that while there are medical records indicating a diagnosis of this condition, it was not directly related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of acute hepatitis, including gastroesophageal reflux disease and history of hepatic cyst, warrant a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that no new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disability, stomach disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease is currently manifested by recurrent epigastric distress with pyrosis and regurgitation, warranting a noncompensable evaluation. The evidence does not support an increase in the disability rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow the RO to adjudicate new claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux disease, both as secondary to PTSD. The total disability rating based on individual unemployability claim will also be readjudicated.