GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including gastric ulcer and GERD. The Veteran's service treatment records show complaints of stomach pain and gastritis, but a VA examiner found no current disability. A new examination is needed to address these issues.

The Board has denied service connection for insomnia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to an acquired psychiatric disorder. Special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ is also denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disability is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), claimed as gastrointestinal problems, to include as secondary to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with alcohol use disorder, is remanded.

The Veteran's GERD is caused or aggravated by her service-connected back and/or posttraumatic stress disorder disabilities, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's initial claim for a compensable disability rating for GERD prior to December 31, 2019 was denied. For the period beginning December 31, 2019, his claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and sleep apnea, have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since September 30, 2020. As of that date, the Veteran is entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II and head/scalp condition to include cysts are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's scar on his right index finger is granted a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's hypertension and GERD are each rated at the maximum 10 percent level, as they do not meet criteria for higher ratings. The Veteran's PTSD remains at the current 50 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus, but has remanded the claims of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux due to a lack of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for hyperthyroidism, thyroid eye disease, dry eye syndrome, GERD, and right shoulder strain. Service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and GERD, as well as secondary service connection for nerve radiculopathy. The Board has determined that the issues of an increased rating for lumbosacral strain need to be remanded due to a lack of proper notice in the SOC. Additionally, efforts should be made to obtain SSA records and schedule the Veteran for a hearing.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been reopened. The Board finds that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, particularly in light of the PACT Act presumption of exposure.,A VA medical opinion will be obtained to address whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea and GERD are related to his service, including any presumed burn pit exposures.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for TBI, an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD, anxiety, MDD, and alcohol/drug abuse), a sleep disorder (insomnia), acid reflux, and erectile dysfunction (ED).,The appellant's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for service connection as his bilateral hearing loss does not meet VA's definition of a disability.

The Veteran's cervical disability, OSA, and GERD have been granted service connection.,A 40% disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar disability has been restored effective December 28, 2016.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7346. The evidence does not support a higher rating as there are no symptoms of hematemesis or melena that would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's hypertension disability has been rated at 0 percent since October 2, 2012. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7101.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including lymphedema and fatigue syndrome, rendered her unable to work from March 5, 2004. The Board granted TDIU effective February 12, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for dysthymic disorder and alcohol use disorder, as well as secondary service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic acid reflux, hiatal hernia, and allergic rhinitis, has been granted. The case is remanded to obtain opinions regarding the secondary service connection claims.

Service connection is granted for TMJ and GERD, but service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.,The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed TMJ and GERD had their onset in service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for allergic rhinitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), insomnia disorder, and chronic sinusitis with sinus headaches are being remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran's allergic rhinitis is considered to have been present at the time of his entrance into service, but it increased in severity during service. Service connection was granted based on a finding that the increase in severity was not due to natural progression.,The Board also granted service connection for GERD. The current diagnosis of GERD is related to an in-service injury or illness, as evidenced by complaints and treatment prior to separation from service.