GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal condition, to include GERD as secondary to his service-connected PTSD with alcohol use disorder. The evidence is in approximate balance concerning whether the Veteran's gastrointestinal condition is caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, plantar fasciitis, migraines, and esophagus disability were denied service connection as there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,Specifically, the VA examiner found that the Veteran's sleep apnea was less likely caused by TERA exposure. The examiner noted anatomic risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea such as obesity, a short neck, and postmenopausal status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, GERD, and left shoulder disability. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a finding that these conditions were related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in assessing the Veteran's GERD rating and TDIU claim. The VA will need to provide a new examination that considers the Veteran's symptoms without medication, and address his lay statements regarding abdominal pain and vomiting.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been withdrawn by the appellant.,Service connection for pain secondary to a service-connected condition is denied. The Veteran does not have a current disability of pain that is related to service or a service-connected condition he is not currently compensated for.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and GERD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service. The decision is based on evidence of current diagnoses, credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors or exposure, and a causal relationship between the conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The decision is based on evidence that the GERD was caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prescribed for his service-connected knee conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating for left ankle surgical scars has been denied. The claims for service connection of GERD and OSA, secondary to PTSD, are remanded due to the need for additional medical evaluation.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for GERD, pes planus, and obstructive sleep apnea have been withdrawn. The appeal for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea has been remanded due to insufficient examination and opinion regarding its relationship to the Veteran's in-service toxic exposure risk activities (TERA).

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD as secondary to obesity, which is proximately caused by his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection, including on a secondary basis, for GERD, diabetes mellitus type II, sleep apnea, venous stasis, left knee disorder, right and left knee disorders, and right hip disorder must be remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The effective dates for these grants of service connection will also be remanded.

The Veteran's GERD is found to be aggravated by the medication he takes for his service-connected chronic renal disease, and thus service connection is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service. The GERD claim remains pending and will be remanded for further development.,Service connection for GERD will be reconsidered, with a focus on determining whether it is at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's active service or aggravated by his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete or inadequate medical opinions and missing records. The AOJ will obtain additional evidence, schedule examinations, and provide adequate VA opinions.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is being remanded for further evaluation due to insufficient opinions regarding its relationship to his service-connected disabilities and obesity.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of GERD was denied as the evidence did not show a history of recurrent esophageal stricture requiring dilatation no more than two times per year.,The Board found that there is insufficient evidence to establish service connection for left and right knee instability, and remanded these issues.

The Veteran's GERD and PTSD with MDD and GAD are granted. The Veteran is assigned a 100% disability rating for his PTSD, effective June 1, 2018. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is dismissed as moot.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error in the initial service connection determination for GERD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea, and sarcoidosis due to potential service connection issues.

New evidence has been received and the appeal to readjudicate the claim for service connection for GERD and dermatitis eczema is granted. The case is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error regarding the authenticity of private DBQs and medical opinions.