GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board is remanding several claims due to incomplete development and the need for a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current heart conditions, including CAD (congestive heart failure), and his active service at Camp LeJeune. The issues of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hiatal hernia, coronary artery bypass, arteriosclerotic heart disease, gout, GERD, high blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus type II are also remanded as they rely on the outcome of the congestive heart failure claim.

The Board has found that remand is necessary for a new VA examination due to the Veteran's claims of worsening and the lack of recent medical records. Additionally, a separate claim for secondary service connection for sleep apnea is warranted.

The Board has remanded several claims for service connection, including PTSD, GERD, arthritis degenerative, and a heart disability. The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for coronary artery bypass surgery is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings, service connection, and TDIU for his right ankle disability have been dismissed. The claim of service connection for PTSD has been granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD, right ankle scars, and right carpal tunnel syndrome have also been dismissed.

The Veteran's GERD was rated by analogy to Diagnostic Code 7346, resulting in a 10 percent rating. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher 30 percent evaluation under DC 7346. For the left shoulder disability, the Board remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records review. The issues of service connection for allergic rhinitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), left foot disability, and hyperglycemia are all on remand.

The Veteran's GERD is at least reflective of symptoms productive of considerable impairment of health, warranting a 30 percent initial rating throughout the appeal period. The Board finds that an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for his GERD requires remand to obtain updated medical records and contemporaneous VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for GERD with esophagitis, patellofemoral syndrome of the bilateral knees, and residuals of osteoplasty have been withdrawn. The application to reopen her claim of service connection for breast cancer residuals has been granted, as well as her claim of service connection for IBS.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for service connection.,Service connection was denied for chronic fatigue syndrome, hypertension, cataracts, kidney stones, diabetes adult onset, peripheral neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, GERD, renal disease, and arthritis.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date has been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date has been withdrawn.,New evidence has been submitted to reopen the service connection claim for obstructive sleep apnea, but further review is needed before a decision can be made.,The Veteran's service connection claim for hypertension remains pending and requires additional development.,The Veteran's service connection claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) remains pending and requires additional development.,The Veteran's service connection claim for a neck disability remains pending and requires additional development.,The Veteran's service connection claim for traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains pending and requires additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal condition. The Veteran needs to provide his personnel records and a new VA examination is required.

The Board has granted service connection for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and assigned a 30% initial rating, effective February 8, 2013.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations and opinions are inadequate for the claims of service connection for left hip disability, right hip disability, GERD, and Type II diabetes mellitus. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for IBS with GERD was denied, and the issue of service connection for a respiratory condition (including chronic cough, COPD, and bronchitis) is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities allowed him to qualify for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) beginning August 12, 2010. He also received special monthly compensation (SMC) pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his claimed joint pain, GERD, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The claims are being remanded because of potential Gulf War Syndrome exposure.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD with hypertrophic gastritis prior to May 6, 2021, was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show multiple small eroded or ulcerated areas, severe hemorrhages or large ulcerated or eroded areas, substernal or arm/shoulder pain, hematemesis, melena, material weight loss, or symptoms productive of considerable impairment of health.,The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for right orchiectomy was granted. The Board found that the evidence supported a 30 percent rating due to erectile dysfunction and nonfunctioning left testis.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for GERD, seizure disorder, and hypertension. The dental disability case is denied.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's request for withdrawal of the appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, depression, and alcohol use disorder are found to be the proximate cause of his obstructive sleep apnea. The Board also finds that these conditions may have contributed to his hypertension and GERD.