GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 3, 2012, for the grant of service connection for GERD with hiatal hernia was denied. The Veteran also had his claim for a higher rating than 10 percent for GERD with hiatal hernia denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations of various disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development.

The Veteran's chronic maxillary sinusitis was granted an increased rating of 30 percent prior to September 20, 2015. The claim for a higher rating after that date is denied. The non-allergic vasomotor rhinitis and GERD claims are both denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for otitis media and stomach ulcers (GERD) as secondary to a deviated septum, but remanded for further development due to incomplete VA examination opinions.

The Veteran's appeal for reopening her claims of service connection for lung disease, low back disability with sciatica, and gastrointestinal disability was dismissed as she withdrew the claim for lung disease. The issues of service connection for low back disability and gastrointestinal disability were reopened.

The Veteran's appeals for PTSD, increased rating for chronic lumbar sprain with associated right lower extremity radiculopathy, and kidney condition were dismissed. The appeals for service connection for a right shoulder condition, sinus condition, obstructive sleep apnea, GERD, and erectile dysfunction are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus was denied as the evidence did not show that his tinnitus manifested to a compensable degree during active duty or within a presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology is not established.,Service connection for GERD with gastritis and status post right lower rib cage fracture with bony tender prominence were granted effective August 31, 2011.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for increased ratings on multiple conditions, including left shoulder bursitis, thoracolumbar strain, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, hip osteoarthritis, knee patellofemoral syndrome (both knees), ankle post-operative changes, sinusitis, and hiatal hernia with GERD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, vertigo, hypogonadism with metabolic syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hypercholesterolemia due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their onset or aggravation during active duty.

The Veteran's hypertension was granted service connection on a presumptive basis as it manifested within the one-year presumptive period following her separation from active service. The other issues were remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete medical examinations and lack of proper verification of a stressor.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the esophageal condition, including whether it is related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded four claims: service connection for an eye disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a skin condition, and a bladder condition. The Veteran's eye disorders are being examined further to determine if they are related to his diabetes mellitus. His GERD is also being reviewed to see if it is secondary to his diabetes. The skin conditions need an addendum opinion addressing whether they are related to his diabetes or not. Lastly, the Board will consider whether the Veteran’s bladder symptoms are service-connected.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for increased ratings for asthma, hypertension, GERD with small bowel obstruction, and lumbar strain as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in an August 2018 written statement.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder but denied service connection for GERD. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is linked to his military service, while there is no evidence linking GERD to service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for a back disability is granted as new and material evidence has been submitted. The Veteran was denied service connection in December 1993 due to lack of evidence, but the current submission includes allegations by the Veteran regarding an injury during military training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and additional medical records establishing a current back disability.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for an eye disability is denied. The Veteran has been diagnosed with refractive error, mild allergic conjunctivitis, bilateral senile cataracts, and open angle glaucoma suspected. His current hearing loss was not caused by or related to his diabetes mellitus.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted as there is evidence of a current disability (sensorineural hearing loss) and in-service acoustic trauma has been conceded. The Veteran's hearing was normal at discharge, but he developed sensorineural hearing loss many years after service without continuity of symptomatology.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for tinnitus is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability (tinnitus).,The Veteran's claim of service connection for Barrett's esophagus is denied. The Veteran does not have, and has not had during the period on appeal, a disability consisting of colon polyps.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for colon polyps, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, and GERD are all denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or any link to his active service.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is denied. The Veteran does not have, and has not had during the period on appeal, a disability consisting of colon polyps.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for diverticulitis is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or any link to his active service.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for hemorrhoids is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or any link to his active service.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for GERD is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or any link to his active service.

The Veteran's left ankle disability, tinnitus, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been granted service connection. The Veteran's PTSD has also been granted a 70 percent rating.,Service connection for hearing loss was dismissed.

The Board has denied service connection for GERD, but has remanded the issues of service connection for a respiratory condition and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, type II diabetes mellitus, and umbilical hernia, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. Therefore, he is granted a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for GERD and an acquired psychiatric condition.