GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) began during his service and is related to it, granting service connection for GERD.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for GERD has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and erectile dysfunction have been dismissed as they were already addressed in a September 2024 Board decision.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia with Barrett's esophagus/esophagitis. As a result, the Board dismissed the appeal.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for GERD with generalized abdominal pain and splenic flexure but granted service connection for depression as secondary to the veteran's GERD.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in several areas, including obstructive sleep apnea and spondylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for service-connected GERD with dyspepsia is granted at a 30 percent rating, effective from January 10, 2019.

The Veteran's bilateral flatfoot disability, plantar fasciitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and prostate cancer are all granted as service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for an increased rating for hiatal hernia with GERD was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Service connection claims for blepharitis, trichiasis, lumbosacral radiculopathy and piriformis syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the right side, and peripheral neuropathy of the left side were also denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for post-traumatic arthritis, left little finger, with residual mild flexion ankylosis is denied. The Veteran's GERD is rated at 10 percent and not entitled to a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU, DEA benefits, and SMC prior to October 2, 2017 was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability during this period due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran also did not have a permanent total service-connected disability in effect prior to October 2, 2017. Effective April 19, 2021, but no earlier, the Veteran was granted SMC benefits based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss is rated at zero percent (noncompensable), and the Board denied a higher rating.,The Veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia with GERD is currently rated at ten percent, and the Board denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for GERD is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board will schedule the Veteran for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of his GERD, considering the ameliorative effects of his medications.

The Veteran's appeal for an effective date prior to October 11, 2012 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is dismissed because this issue remains pending in the Legacy system.

The Board has decided that service connection for plantar fasciitis is denied. The remaining claims of service connection for allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis with chronic cough, anxiety, depression, insomnia, headaches, acid reflux with nausea, benign prostatic hyperplasia with voiding dysfunction, kidney stones, cervicalgia, lumbago, sciatica, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral elbow epicondylitis, a left knee condition, and right knee strain are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was denied as his current hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable disability rating.,The Board found insufficient evidence to grant service connection for various conditions, including acid reflux and sleep apnea, due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim for an increased rating for hiatal hernia with GERD was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. Service connection claims for blepharitis, trichiasis, lumbosacral radiculopathy and piriformis syndrome, peripheral neuropathy of the right side, and peripheral neuropathy of the left side were also denied.

The Veteran's GERD is not rated higher than 30 percent due to lack of severe impairment of health.,Right hip strain, limitation of extension, does not warrant a compensable rating as the flexion and extension are within normal limits.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to determine if the Veteran had active service in Southwest Asia on or after August 2, 1990. The claim will be reconsidered with respect to whether service connection can be granted under a theory of direct service connection.