GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The appeal is dismissed as the September 12, 2013 substantive appeal was untimely. The effective date for service connection of GERD is denied as no claim was received until September 12, 2013. An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease. The issues of rating left and right hip conditions, and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for reopening service connection for left hip and left ankle disabilities have been granted. The Board has also remanded several issues including service connection for thyroid cancer, breast mass, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, hypertension, digestive disorder, respiratory condition, upper back/neck disability, migraine headaches, and others.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, to include atypical chest pain and palpitations is denied. The Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD are currently rated as 30 percent disabling, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DC 7346. The Veteran is granted SMC based on need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by right leg weakness is granted. The claims for service connection for stomach disability (GERD) and respiratory disorder are denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions were denied, with the effective date being October 11, 2013.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete development, including obtaining VA treatment records, Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits determinations, and an addendum opinion on the etiology of her left thumb disability. The effective date issue is also being addressed.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia, but has remanded these issues due to additional development needed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD, a trauma and stressor related disorder, and associated depression is granted.,Service connection for GERD secondary to service-connected mental disabilities is granted.,Service connection for hemorrhoids secondary to service-connected GERD is granted.,Heart disability and polyps are remanded.

All claims for service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.,The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability related to any of the claimed conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for initial compensable ratings and effective dates for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hearing loss. The remaining issues of service connection have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction and GERD, as well as entitlement to SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ, are denied. The claim for hernia disorder is remanded.

The Board dismissed all claims as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Veteran's GERD and cervical spine pain are granted service connection. The bilateral foot disability, right shoulder, knee, and ankle scars, and right upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome are all granted initial ratings of 30 percent.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, hypertension, acid reflux, and erectile dysfunction were not found to have begun during service or be related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety) was also not found to have begun during service or be related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating for his degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, exercise-induced compartment syndrome of the legs, allergic rhinitis, GERD, or migraines prior to and after May 5, 2015. The Board also found that remand was necessary for further development regarding service connection for insomnia.

The Board denied service connection for prostate cancer, rectal bleeding, rectal incontinence, colon damage, and a precancerous growth on the esophagus due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service or radiation exposure.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acquired psychiatric disorder are denied as not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's application to reopen service connection for allergic rhinitis has been granted. The claims for service connection for CAD, ED/Hypoandrogenism, hypercholesterolemia, and increased rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea syndrome has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of her sleep apnea.