GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection for frontal sinusitis, tension headaches, allergic rhinitis, GERD, and IBS are being remanded due to incomplete VA records and the need to determine TERA exposures under the PACT Act.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is being remanded due to a duty to assist error and the need for an addendum opinion. Additionally, a TERA examination may be needed as the Veteran engaged in toxic exposure risk activity (TERA) during his deployment to Bahrain.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) based on the Veteran's credible statements of in-service symptoms and their continuity since discharge.

The Veteran's GERD and gastrointestinal condition, including IBS with chronic gastritis and gastroparesis, are granted as service connection is established based on the evidence of record.

The Board has granted the restoration of a 30 percent rating for service-connected GERD with Barrett's esophagus status post halo ablations and hernia repair and fundoplication, finding that the evidence does not make reasonably certain that the disability on appeal has improved materially in a way that will be maintained under ordinary conditions of life.

The Board denied service connection for IBS, a left hip disability (secondary to the service-connected lumbar spine disability), GERD, and migraine headaches as there was no current diagnosis or evidence of qualifying chronic disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia but granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran's GERD was found to have onset during his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for GERD and remanded the issues of service connection for right hip strain and left hip strain. The Veteran is required to provide a medical opinion regarding the etiology of his bilateral hip conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for migraine headaches and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to duty-to-assist errors, lack of medical evidence, and insufficient medical opinion.

The Veteran's IBS with GERD is rated at 30 percent, and the Board found no basis to grant a higher rating or separate ratings for the two conditions.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for service connection and higher ratings related to sleep apnea, GERD, hypothyroidism, cervical spine disc disease, and PTSD. The claims are dismissed as a result.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The AOJ needs to obtain the Veteran's Social Security Administration records, including all disability determinations and associated medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for GERD is remanded due to an inadequate VA examination. The Board requires a new examination to clarify the severity of his symptoms when not taking medication.

The Veteran's headaches and gastrointestinal problems (GERD-diarrhea) have been granted initial ratings of 30 percent each, effective July 1, 2010.,An earlier effective date of July 1, 2010, for the grant of service connection for gastrointestinal problems (GERD-diarrhea) has also been granted.

The Veteran's GERD is rated as noncompensable, with pyrosis but no other required symptoms for a higher rating.,The Veteran's tension headaches are rated as noncompensable due to lack of characteristic prostrating attacks.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding no new and relevant evidence to support reopening or readjudicating these claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a maximum rating of 70 percent. Service connection for GERD and Neurogenic Bladder are both granted as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from October 14, 2015, to August 6, 2019. The Board granted TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected conditions and their impact on his ability to work.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for gastrointestinal disorder, to include GERD, and respiratory disorder, including asthma, due to a lack of adequate medical opinions. Service connection for tinnitus is granted.

Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder to include anxiety and depression is granted. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a right knee disability are remanded.