GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Veteran's left foot disability, migraine headaches, PTSD, GAD, acid reflux, penile deformity with erectile dysfunction, PFB, scar of the dorsal surface of the left foot, and painful scar of the left foot are all service connected. The Veteran is granted an initial rating of at least 30 percent for his migraine headaches.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee instability is granted. The issues of entitlement to initial compensable ratings for wrist conditions and service connection for hand, shoulder, and foot conditions are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for coronary artery disease (CAD) with aortocoronary bypass and service connection for hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and erectile dysfunction (ED) are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.,The Veteran's claim for total rating based on individual unemployability is also remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD and bipolar disorder was reopened, and the Board granted this claim. The Veteran's digestive conditions were found to warrant a rating of 30% but not more.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the issue of service connection for gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD). The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have originated during active service, while his GERD may or may not have begun in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for migraine headaches was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The Veteran is now granted a rating of 70 percent for PTSD.,PTSD has been rated at 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and gastroesophageal reflux disease with diverticulosis are currently rated, but the Board has remanded these issues for further development.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a left wrist disability, right wrist disability, and gastrointestinal disorder due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives.

The Veteran's left eye disability is not service connected as it was not caused or aggravated by military service or a service-connected condition.,Service connection for diarrhea of unknown etiology has been granted due to the Veteran being a Persian Gulf Veteran and meeting criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating, as PTSD does not result in total occupational and social impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete service treatment records and requests for private medical records.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to service-connected GERD and rhinosinusitis. The claims for bronchitis, hypertension, and gallstones are denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities have been dismissed as he withdrew them prior to the decision. The Board also granted entitlement to individual unemployability (TDIU) due to multiple service-connected conditions preventing him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, Diverticular disease, Sinusitis, Obstructive sleep apnea, and Diabetes mellitus, type II as they are not proximately due to or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for various disabilities and mental health conditions. The Veteran's dental disability is not due to trauma or disease such as osteomyelitis, while his bilateral foot, varicose veins, gastrointestinal, and psychiatric conditions are being evaluated further.

The Veteran's hypothyroidism has been remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of her digestive symptoms. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating for hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's heart disability, including as secondary to service-connected asthma, is denied.,GERD requires further examination and evaluation for a higher rating.,Erectile dysfunction may be related to the Veteran's psychiatric disability or medications but needs clarification from the VA examiner.,Right knee disability requires additional examination to determine if it warrants an increased rating.

The Veteran's GERD with hernia hiatal has been granted an initial disability rating of 60 percent prior to February 21, 2017. From February 21, 2017, the Veteran is still rated at 60 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia and chest pain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence.