GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for various service-connected disabilities due to inadequate recent VA examinations. The Veteran will need new evaluations to determine current severity.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bipolar disorder and remanded other issues including GERD, tonsillectomy residuals, and right knee disability. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional records, provide a VA examination, and determine if there is new evidence that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Board has restored a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected GERD with diverticulitis, effective from January 21, 2014. The reduction in rating was not proper due to insufficient evidence of improvement.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at a 30 percent evaluation, effective from January 23, 2015. The symptoms include substernal pain, reflux, and sleep disturbance due to reflux symptoms.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the relationship between the Veteran's GERD and Barrett's esophagus, including whether it is related to his service-connected IBS.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and GERD have been granted ratings, with the rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis being 50% prior to November 17, 2017. The rating for GERD remains at 30%. No new evidence was provided in this appeal.

The Veteran's GERD is granted with an initial rating of 30 percent, but no higher.,VA examinations are needed to assess the severity of his cervical strain and right ankle disorder due to lack of information regarding functional limitations during flare-ups. The VA examiner must also provide opinions on whether these disorders are related to service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's bilateral knee disorder and major depressive disorder need further evaluation by a VA examiner to determine their etiology and relationship to service-connected conditions.,VA examinations are needed to assess the nature of the Veteran's current psychiatric disorder, including its relation to his active duty service.

The Veteran's left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis is now rated at 20 percent, hypertension remains noncompensable, IBS with GERD continues to be rated at 30 percent, and specific phobia and generalized anxiety disorder remain at 30 percent. Service connection for epistaxis, sinusitis, and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the date of entitlement and his employment history during the relevant period.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral elbow, wrist/arm, cervical spine, and knee disabilities, as well as hypertension and GERD. The Veteran's PTSD was also not found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's left ankle and right ankle disabilities have been granted initial disability ratings of 20 percent each, effective prior to October 23, 2017. The esophageal condition has been granted a maximum disability rating of 60 percent.,The Veteran’s service-connected conditions are currently rated as follows: left ankle - 20%, right ankle - 20%, and esophageal condition - 60%

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disability and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to additional VA treatment records being received, and an addendum opinion is needed regarding the etiology of GERD.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are found to be related to his active service, with the presumption of exposure to noise in the Gulf War.,The Veteran's testicular cancer is presumed due to herbicide agent exposure during service.,PTSD was established based on an in-service stressor, and GERD is considered secondary to PTSD.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's GERD preexisted any of his periods of service and if it was aggravated during such service.

A 10 percent disability rating is granted for DJD status post right fifth metacarpal, effective November 15, 2012. The Veteran's atrophy of the right testicle remains denied.,The issues of service connection for chronic bronchitis, tonsillitis (secondary to bronchitis), epistaxis (frequent nose bleeds), and heart block (secondarily related to GERD) are remanded.

The Board has remanded seven issues on appeal, including service connection for various conditions. The Veteran's claim for skin condition is reopened due to new and material evidence.

An increased disability rating for migraine headaches is denied.,An increased initial disability rating for GERD is denied.,New and material evidence having been received, the petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for lumbar strain is granted.

The Veteran's sleeping disorder, hypertension, GERD, and tinea versicolor were denied as not having been incurred or aggravated by service.,Service connection was also denied for these conditions on a secondary basis to his service-connected knee disorders.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral foot condition, digestive conditions (IBS and GERD), and traumatic brain injury. The Veteran's claims are based on direct evidence rather than service connection through exposure to toxic chemicals or other presumptions.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea, a cervical spine disability, and thyroid cancer. The decision also restored the 50% rating for PTSD.