GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims for hypertension, GERD, lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to pre-decisional errors in VA examinations.,VA is required to provide a VA examination if there is (1) a current disability; (2) an injury or disease in service; and (3) a possible nexus between them.

The Board has determined that the AOJ failed to obtain adequate medical opinions for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral foot condition, bilateral hearing loss, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and tinnitus. The VA medical opinions did not address all relevant conditions or provide sufficient explanations.

The Board granted an initial increased rating of 30 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) effective January 25, 2013.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease, bilateral hip disabilities, bilateral knee disabilities, and lumbar disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 30 percent for IBS with GERD is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. An effective date earlier than March 17, 2021, for the grant of service connection for IBS with GERD remains denied.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for GERD due to a lack of medical opinion and potential continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's initial rating for service-connected GERD with hiatal hernia has been granted at a 30 percent level, effective from the date of the November 2021 rating decision.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease, a left ankle disability, and stress urinary incontinence due to incomplete or inadequate medical examinations and opinions. The AOJ must obtain adequate etiology opinions and any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's IBS and GERD are granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, foot calluses, hypertension, and thigh disabilities. The right thigh hamstring strain is granted a 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the gastrointestinal condition and TDIU claims, resulting in their dismissal.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to procedural errors and lack of evidence. The Veteran's claims for foot heel spurs and GERD are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is considered secondary to his service-connected adjustment disorder, sinusitis, degenerative arthritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has granted a 30 percent disability rating for GERD from February 1, 2022.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted an initial rating of 50 percent, but no higher. The Board found that the condition was proximately due to or the result of his service-connected GERD and hiatal hernia.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have precluded substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate duty to assist, specifically regarding the opinion on whether the Veteran's GERD is aggravated by medications used for his service-connected right shoulder condition.

The Veteran's allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, and other conditions were addressed. The Board found the reduction from 30% to 0% for allergic rhinitis was improper and restored the rating. The claim of service connection for sleep apnea is remanded due to new evidence.

The Veteran's GERD has been granted a 30 percent rating. The right shoulder and bilateral lower extremities conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residual foot injury and gastroesophageal reflux disease (claimed as stomach condition) are being remanded due to procedural errors in obtaining relevant service department records.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).