GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as his limitations are primarily due to nonservice-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, overactive bladder, and dyspepsia/gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as secondary to his service-connected hypertension are remanded due to insufficient information in the record.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for GERD and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to inadequate opinions in the previous decisions.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent effective February 25, 2021.,The Veteran's GERD with IBS and Barrett's esophagus is rated at 30 percent effective February 25, 2021.

Service connection is granted for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, cervical strain, and left hamstring impairment. Service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for service-connected squamous cell carcinoma of the left larynx is granted. The Board also remanded the claims for service connection for GERD and TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of a valid fee agreement, and thus denied eligibility for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in November 2020.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia is rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they were not severe enough to meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Veteran's GERD and IBS are now rated at 30 percent, effective August 28, 2020. Service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted effective August 27, 2019, as he met the schedular requirements for a TDIU on that date and continuously pursued his claim thereafter.

The Board has determined that there is sufficient evidence to support the claim of service connection for GERD, finding a link between the Veteran's military service and his current condition. The decision grants this claim.

The Veteran's OSA and GERD are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding their etiology. The depressive disorder evaluation is also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's GERD is caused or aggravated by his service-connected shoulder and elbow disabilities, as well as any potential Gulf War exposure. The VA will need to obtain a new medical opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's GERD with Barrett's esophagus is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is denied. The claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent for headaches and an initial compensable rating for sinusitis are also denied.

The Veteran's digestive disability, including GERD and hiatal hernia, was restored to a 60 percent rating effective August 1, 2020. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board has dismissed it.

The Veteran's GERD and acquired psychiatric disorder are granted, with the rating for the psychiatric disorder set at 70 percent effective November 6, 2019.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of service connection for the purpose of establishing eligibility to treatment as already granted. The issues on appeal have been remanded for additional development and examination.