GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal was denied for all issues, with the exception of her initial compensable evaluation for epicondylitis right elbow. The denial is based on lack of evidence supporting higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to March 16, 2016 is being remanded as the evidence suggests that he may be unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for a lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The rating assigned is 30%.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board has granted a higher rating of 30 percent based on his symptoms and their impact on health.

The Veteran's cause of death, adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, was not found to be related to his active service or exposure to contaminated waters at Camp Lejeune. The Board determined that there is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's cancer and ultimate death to any aspect of his service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's claimed conditions are related to his service, including exposure to contaminants at Anderson Air Force Base (AAFB).

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities prior to October 14, 2015.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 10 percent since November 2008. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as they were infrequent and mild.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, stomach ulcers, acid reflux, allergies, asthma, COPD, and chronic sinusitis as these conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for migraine headaches, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and GERD, each including as due to service-connected right knee arthritis. The Veteran did not experience any current disability related to these conditions that could be attributed to active service or any incident of service.

The Veteran's sleep apnea, GERD, and esophageal cancer were not incurred during service or due to a service-connected disability. The effective dates for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia has not been productive of material weight loss, hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia, or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board is remanding three issues: service connection for COPD, GERD, and reopening the hypertension claim. The Veteran's hearing request was not properly notified at his current address.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD was denied, and the effective date for service connection was also denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on his symptoms.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected GERD prior to December 15, 2009, and awarded a 60 percent evaluation effective that date. The Veteran's appeal is dismissed as the claim has already been decided by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as arthritis, is related to service and grants service connection for this condition. The other issues remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD and hiatal hernia, was not incurred in or related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were granted, with the exception of asthma and TDIU issues. The DDD of the thoracolumbar spine was rated at 20 percent; gastrointestinal disabilities at 10 percent; posttraumatic headaches at 50 percent; right shoulder impingement syndrome at 20 percent; and left knee disorder with medial collateral ligament strain at 10 percent.

The Board found that an effective date prior to November 30, 2009 for the award of service connection for a mood disorder is not warranted. The Veteran's GERD was rated at 30 percent and denied for an increased rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbosacral spine disability. The remaining claims of service connection for right hip, GERD, and skin disabilities are remanded as the Veteran has not been provided a VA examination to assess these conditions.