GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for stomach problems and GERD on a secondary basis, due to prescribed medications for service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's umbilical hernia is being remanded for further clarification of its etiology.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease and migraine disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and the potential availability of private medical records.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's neck disability, bilateral arm disability, bilateral knee disability (as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability), bilateral foot disability (as secondary to a service-connected lumbar spine disability), obstructive sleep apnea, and GERD. The grants of service connection are based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD with gastritis and an ulcer as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability. However, it denied service connection for a separate sleep disorder and TDIU due to the Veteran's mental health condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo, GERD, and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity are granted. The initial ratings for GERD and peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity remain unchanged.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD and erectile dysfunction are not service-connected.,Both conditions were diagnosed after the Veteran's separation from active duty, and there is no evidence linking them to his military service.

The Veteran's IBS with recurrent colon polyps and other gastrointestinal disorders, to include peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and hiatal hernia, has been manifested by near-continuous abdominal pain despite the use of medication, in addition to recurring vomiting, alternating diarrhea and constipation, nausea, loss of energy, occasional melena and weight loss at the beginning of the appeal period.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's GERD with chronic constipation is currently rated at 30 percent, effective from November 9, 2016.,A separate rating for bilateral pes planus with calluses and metatarsalgia was granted as 50 percent prior to November 9, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing medical opinions regarding the etiology of his hearing loss, digestive disorder (GERD), and pulmonary disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a brain disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a relationship to service.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have current ulcers or GERD, and concluded that these conditions are more likely caused by obesity. Therefore, service connection for ulcers and GERD is denied.,The Board determined that there was no evidence of colitis during service and concluded that any current colitis (including diverticulosis and diverticulitis) is more likely due to obesity. Thus, service connection for colitis is denied.

The Veteran is granted an initial noncompensable evaluation for GERD prior to September 2, 2011 and a compensable (10%) evaluation thereafter.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for coronary artery disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease were denied as there was no evidence of the required severity to warrant higher disability ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.,For his gastric disorder, a maximum rating of 60 percent has been granted based on severe symptoms including pain, vomiting, and weight loss.

The Veteran's initial rating for coronary artery disease (CAD) has been increased to 100 percent effective June 5, 2014. The issue of service connection for GERD remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fatigue and painful joints, headache disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied as these conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee replacement, gastritis, GERD, and gastric ulcers are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected myelitis. Therefore, these claims for secondary service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for separate compensable evaluations for service-connected recurrent pancreatitis with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were denied as a matter of law. The Board found that the diseases overlap and produce similar symptoms, thus only one disability rating is warranted.

The evidence does not support the presence of current diagnoses for GERD or a stomach disorder, and there is no direct service connection based on in-service symptoms. The Veteran's STRs show treatment for gastroenteritis, gastritis, and diarrhea but no ongoing issues post-separation.