GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has decided that the Veteran’s GERD is not service-connected as secondary to his right thumb condition, and has ordered additional development to determine if there is a link between the medications used for his right thumb condition and his GERD.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, right lower extremity radiculopathy, cervical spondylosis, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and laparoscopic scar associated with hiatal hernia with GERD render him in need of regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service. The appeals for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus type II were also denied as there was no evidence showing that these conditions required regulation of activities.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, and hiatal hernia is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating as there were no symptoms of pain, vomiting, weight loss, hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, GERD, DJD of the right foot, hypertension, and arthritis of the AC joint of the right shoulder were denied as there was no credible evidence supporting her claimed stressors or diagnoses. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is currently rated at 70 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ear hearing loss is service-connected, while his right ear hearing loss and bilateral foot disability are not. GERD was also denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Board also found that there is at least a reasonable possibility that the Veteran's current GERD is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is being remanded due to the need to obtain VA treatment records and provide an additional medical opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of current disabilities or a link to service, including exposure to herbicide agents.,No new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for GERD and hyperaldosteronism, as well as his claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU, were denied by the Board. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD with depression rendered her unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and she is considered disabled by the Social Security Administration due to her service-connected psychiatric disabilities. TDIU and DEA are granted from August 25, 2007.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to address the Veteran's claims, including for a rating increase and service connection.

The Veteran's GERD and hiatal hernia were rated at a 30% effective from August 6, 2015. The Board found that the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred was August 7, 2014.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, with a 70 percent rating for anxiety disorder.,The Veteran's increased rating for anxiety disorder claim is granted.

Service connection is granted for tinnitus. An initial rating of 30 percent prior to May 13, 2014, and a higher than 30 percent rating for GERD are granted. The Veteran's residuals of heat stroke do not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for new VA examinations and the issuance of a Statement of the Case regarding his PTSD rating and effective date.

The Veteran's service-connected post-surgical scarring is found to be painful, warranting a separate rating of 10 percent. The claims for increased ratings for the low back disability and GERD are remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's GERD was granted a 30 percent evaluation prior to April 7, 2016. The initial compensable evaluation for his hemorrhoids and hypertension were also granted.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to determine the nature and cause of the Veteran's GERD, as the previous VA examiner's opinion was inadequate. The appeal will be returned for further action.