GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error in the November 2020 VA examination, which did not consider the ameliorative effects of medication for GERD. The Veteran is required to be examined again to assess his disability level without taking into account the medication.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran's sleep apnea is etiologically related to his service-connected PTSD and remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back condition, rhinitis, diverticulitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The AOJ is required to obtain medical opinions on these issues.

The reduction from 70 to 50 percent for PTSD is overturned, and the prior rating of 70 percent is restored. The Board also found that there was insufficient evidence at the time of the decision on appeal to support a reduction in the rating for PTSD. The issues of service connection for GERD and entitlement to TDIU are remanded due to procedural errors.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disability and GERD do not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, as his education and work history are considered. The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of unemployability due to these conditions.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's tinnitus is service connected. The remaining claims for skin cancer, peripheral neuropathies, GERD, lung condition, liver condition, and low back condition are remanded due to lack of VA examinations or expert medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error and will schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to address his claims of service connection for a gastrointestinal condition, including GERD.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for GERD was denied as of September 1, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied a higher rating for GERD with IBS prior to May 19, 2024 and denied entitlement to a compensable rating for IBS beginning May 19, 2024.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for vertigo, bilateral hearing loss, and GERD as there were errors in obtaining medical opinions related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for allergic rhinitis has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal during a hearing before the Board.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is remanded and will be reconsidered with a new examination.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is granted as service-connected.,Secondary service connection for GERD due to NSAIDs used for headaches is also granted.,Service connection for bilateral pes planus and OSA are remanded for further review.,No specific rating assigned, effective date not provided.

The Veteran's tinnitus is related to in-service noise exposure and granted service connection.,Obstructive sleep apnea began during active service and was granted service connection.,Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia are both linked to service, with symptoms beginning around the 1980s.,Service connection for diverticular disease and diverticulosis is remanded due to lack of direct evidence.,Prostate cancer is related to in-service toxic exposure risk activities involving hydrazine.

The Veteran's death was not caused by a disability incurred in or aggravated during his military service, and the Board denied entitlement to service connection for the cause of death.

The appeal for multiple conditions, including diarrhea, diverticulum, erectile dysfunction, GERD, acquired psychiatric disorders, and chest pains is dismissed. The claim for service connection for chronic rhinitis and sleep apnea remains unresolved.

The Board has remanded the claims for gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), ulcers, and tension headaches secondary to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to inadequate medical opinions.,VA will provide addendum VA medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for chronic diarrhea has been dismissed as the decision was not final and appealable.,The appeals for higher ratings for lumbosacral strain, cervical strain, right ankle lateral collateral ligament sprain, and tinnitus have all been dismissed due to untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement (NOD).,Service connection for right ear hearing loss has not been established as there is no evidence of a current disability meeting VA's definition of hearing loss.

The Board has determined that there were duty to assist errors in the development of the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD. The claim is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining medical opinions addressing the relationship between the Veteran's GERD and his period of active duty service, as well as whether his service-connected right kidney disability caused or aggravated his GERD.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Service connection is denied for depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), neck disability, left upper extremity nerve condition, right upper extremity nerve condition, restless leg syndrome, left knee disability, anxiety, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, left wrist disability, right wrist disability, intestinal disability, hemorrhoids, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and bilateral foot disability.,Service connection is denied for neck disability. Service connection is remanded for entitlement to service connection for anxiety, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, left wrist disability, right wrist disability, intestinal disability, hemorrhoids, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, and bilateral foot disability.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues on appeal, including obtaining relevant treatment records and medical examinations to evaluate the Veteran's GERD and shoulder disabilities. The remand also includes requesting clarification of certain laboratory testing results and addendum opinions regarding service connection.