GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic floor dysfunction, and GERD have been rated at a 30 percent since March 12, 2012. The Board has determined that the symptoms more nearly approximate the criteria for a 30 percent rating under old Diagnostic Codes 7319 and 7346.

The Veteran's GERD has caused severe impairment of health, warranting a 60 percent rating for the period prior to February 21, 2024.

Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and breathing disability/lung disability is denied.,The Veteran's service treatment records do not indicate any diagnosis or complaints related to these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD with insomnia disorder and TBI have been rated, but the GERD/IBS/colonic polyps issues are being remanded for further development. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His TBI is rated at 10 percent, also not meeting the criteria for a higher rating. The GERD/IBS/colonic polyps issues are being remanded and will be considered in their own right.

The Veteran's appeal of the issues related to a muscle injury, left shoulder tendonitis, and lumbosacral strain is dismissed. Service connection for squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, cancer of the lymph nodes secondary to squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, hypothyroidism secondary to squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) secondary to squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, and a scar of the right neck secondary to squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue is granted. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction secondary to squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, claimed as a choking condition is denied because there is no evidence of a current disability related to his in-service illness.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are remanded due to the need for further development regarding the Veteran's alleged stressor.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at a 60 percent evaluation, effective July 22, 2020.,The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy is rated at a 40 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, OSA, and GERD due to potential exposure to burn pits during his military service. The RO is required to provide a VA examination and medical nexus opinion regarding these conditions.

The Veteran's IBS disability is rated at a noncompensable evaluation, but the Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the entire appeal period based on moderate symptoms.

The Veteran's GERD has not been found to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his symptoms do not include persistent recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm/shoulder pain, and productive of considerable impairment of health.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence was not submitted to readjudicate the previously denied claims for service connection for TBI and GERD. The Veteran's claims remain denied as the submitted evidence does not meet the criteria for readjudication.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for acid reflux disease (also claimed as GERD) is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA examiner failed to conduct relevant diagnostic testing and consider the Veteran's possible exposure to hazardous environmental factors.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating of GERD and service connection for right knee, right hip, and left hip strains has been remanded due to insufficient evidence. The Board found the VA examination inadequate in assessing whether these conditions are related to his service-connected left knee strain.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected GERD is being remanded due to procedural errors and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and an acquired psychiatric disability, to include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding the consideration of medication effects on GERD symptoms. The Board requests an addendum opinion from a clinician to assess the severity of the Veteran's GERD without considering the ameliorative effects of medications.

The July 2020 rating decision granted a TDIU, but did not result in any past-due benefits. The appeal is denied as the Appellant's services were provided before the date on which the Veteran was notified of the initial decision.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for depressive disorder, GERD, and an earlier effective date for a right foot drop disability were dismissed due to untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral foot disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and obstructive sleep apnea based on aggravation of pre-existing conditions during active duty service.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of November 5, 2012 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran was found to be precluded from gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities starting from that date.