GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand three issues: service connection for GERD, increased rating for right knee disability, and increased rating for left knee disability. The Veteran's claims will be further evaluated after obtaining his complete STRs and conducting a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is secondary to her service-connected PTSD. The Veteran and her representative have provided a study suggesting a potential link, which needs further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including ulcer, hiatal hernia, gastritis, and GERD, as well as secondary service connection for these conditions to his service-connected paranoid schizophrenic disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that any current gastrointestinal disorders were related to military service or his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer, including GERD, is rated at 20 percent for the entire rating period from March 16, 2007. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating due to moderate symptoms with recurring severe episodes.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU have been remanded due to the need for a new VA examination, as well as additional development of his employment history.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral eye condition, bilateral hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and acid reflux. The reasons given were that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is being remanded due to new and material evidence having been presented.,An initial rating in excess of 100 percent for COPD is denied. An effective date earlier than May 21, 2010 for the grant of service connection for COPD is also denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than May 21, 2010 for the grant of service connection for depression with agoraphobia and panic disorder symptoms associated with COPD is being remanded. The earliest possible effective date is May 21, 2010.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than February 10, 2012 for the grant of special monthly compensation at the housebound rate remains remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right hip disability, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorder, and residuals of wart removal due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection. The claims are being returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the cases of hearing loss, sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux, lower back disorder, and pain down the legs for further examination to determine their etiology. The Veteran's service connection claims are otherwise denied.

The Veteran's varicose veins of the left lower extremity are granted as service connected.,The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is denied as not warranting a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's GERD is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, but not higher. The evidence shows the condition causes persistent symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation.

The Veteran's GERD is not rated higher than 0 percent because it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under DC 7346, which governs ratings of hiatal hernias.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and rating determinations due to inadequate examinations in previous decisions.

The Board has reopened the claims for tinnitus, gastrointestinal disorder (acid reflux), and migraine headaches. The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connected. The cases are remanded for additional examinations to determine if his gastrointestinal disorder and migraine headaches are related to service.

The Veteran's low back condition is related to in-service back trauma and has been granted service connection.,The Veteran's neck, sleep apnea, arthritis of upper extremities, gastrointestinal condition (hiatal hernia and acid reflux), left knee, right knee, left ankle, hypertension, and skin condition have not yet been determined due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete information about the appellant's active duty periods.

The Board has remanded three issues: service connection for gastrointestinal disability, an initial rating higher than 10 percent for chondromalacia of patella of the right knee, and an initial rating higher than 10 percent for degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, of the lumbar spine. The Veteran failed to report for VA examinations scheduled in conjunction with these claims.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including sleep apnea, back disorder, GERD, hypertension, right knee disability, and pes planus. The appeals are pending as new evidence has been submitted that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection as there was no timely substantive appeal filed within 60 days of the August 2014 Statement of the Case.