GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has remanded several service connection claims due to the need for additional medical opinions and records. The Veteran's conditions include PTSD, a painful irritable eye condition, sleep disturbance with mild apnea, headaches, left knee pain, right knee pain, neck pain, numbness and light headedness, right ankle pain, right hip disability, stomach issues (GERD and gastroparesis), degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and hearing loss. The claims are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for a new examination to determine if GERD is related to service, including exposure to Gulf War toxins.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for GERD and diverticulosis with Schatzki's ring was granted at a 60 percent level. The noncompensable rating for esophagal stricture prior to August 29, 2023 was denied. A 50 percent rating for the period from August 29, 2023 to October 3, 2023 and a noncompensable rating thereafter were granted. The Veteran's cervical spine condition received an initial disability rating of 20 percent. His right and left upper extremity radiculopathy each received an initial disability rating of 20 percent. The lumbar spine condition was initially rated at 20 percent prior to March 23, 2016 and denied a higher rating thereafter.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify potential exposure to environmental toxins at Fort McClellan, including PCBs, TCE, asbestos, radioactive compounds, chemical warfare agents, or other toxic substances.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, asthma, bronchitis, COPD, tinnitus, GERD/IBS, and hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment for the period on appeal. The Board has granted TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cyst behind the right ear has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD has been reopened and granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been reopened and granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for sleep apnea and GERD, requiring additional development to obtain medical records and provide a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions regarding his respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, as well as GERD.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. Service connection is also granted for GERD but the claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ischemic heart disease, stomach condition (gastritis and/or GERD), and allergic rhinitis due to insufficient evidence resolving his claims. The VA is required to provide a new examination with a cardiologist, gastroenterologist, and allergist to determine if these conditions are related to service, specifically Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete opinions and the need for a PACT Act examination related to toxic exposure in Kuwait and Iraq. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders are being evaluated for service connection, with consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his service-connected gastric ulcer with GERD, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition. The issues of entitlement to service connection for intestinal metaplasia and an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to his service-connected conditions are also added to the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected Crohn's Disease with ulcers of the colon at the ileocecal valve and rectum with GERD is being remanded due to a failure to schedule a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examinations. The Veteran is seeking service connection for these conditions as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, nocturnal bruxism, a scar on the right eye following an accident, retinal degeneration, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (claimed as bilateral sciatica), and other conditions. The Board found no current disabilities or sufficient evidence to establish service connection.

The Veteran's stomach disabilities, including GERD, gastroparesis, IBS, SIBO, and hiatal hernia, are granted service connection. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, other than irritable colon/IBS, to include GERD and a right ankle condition due to lack of evidence supporting these conditions were incurred or caused by service.

The Veteran's GERD, IBS, and gastritis/duodenitis have not met the criteria for a higher initial rating than 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for peptic ulcer/GERD has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Board has also remanded other issues including evaluations for back disability, metacarpal fracture, and erectile dysfunction.

The Board has denied service connection for ischemic heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, skin cancer, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid cancer as there is no persuasive evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.