GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Veteran's varicose veins were granted service connection. For the entire increased rating period, GERD was not manifested by symptomatology more nearly approximating persistently recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation, accompanied by substernal or arm or shoulder pain, productive of considerable impairment of health. The extension of a temporary total convalescence rating for right knee surgery performed on May 13, 2004 was denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for right shoulder strain, GERD, and hallux valgus of the great right toe have been dismissed due to her withdrawal of these claims.

The Veteran's GERD is currently controlled with medication and, even without the ameliorative effects of medication, there is no evidence that it has been manifested by recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, regurgitation or substernal arm or shoulder pain at any time during the period on appeal. The Veteran's GERD does not meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied as he does not have a hearing loss disability within the meaning of VA regulations.,For cluster headaches, the Veteran is currently rated noncompensably (0%) because his headaches are short duration and do not result in lost work time.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the Board does not have jurisdiction over the issues.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including an ulcer condition, as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development regarding the etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, PTSD, and Crohn's disease with GERD were denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss since September 29, 2009.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for esophageal adenocarcinoma, skin cancer, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.,There is no in-service injury or event that meets the second element of direct service connection. The Board found that the current disabilities are less likely than not incurred in or caused by the Veteran's active duty service, nor did they have their onset during service.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension is found to have caused his coronary artery disease (CAD). The Board grants the claim for service connection for CAD.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of right third and fourth metatarsal fractures do not warrant a compensable rating. The issues regarding allergic rhinitis/sinusitis, low back strain with pain, gastritis/GERD, neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, and left first metatarsal/toe condition are denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen these claims.

The Veteran's GERD and sleep apnea are found to be aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. The Board has granted a 100% rating for PTSD with major depressive disorder since July 20, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD had its onset during service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, IBS, GERD, and a right knee disorder have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence of current diagnoses or chronic conditions related to these issues.,There are no medical records indicating the presence of any of these conditions during service, and post-service records do not provide sufficient evidence to establish their onset in service.

The Veteran's prostate cancer residuals are associated with voiding dysfunction requiring changing of absorbent pads five times daily, warranting a rating higher than 40 percent.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for renal cell carcinoma. The evidence suggests that it may be related to hepatitis B.

The Veteran's GERD causes reflux, sleep disturbance and occasional regurgitation but makes only a small contribution to the symptoms of chronic abdominal pain, chronic nausea and vomiting and significant weight loss. The Board finds that his GERD has not been 'productive of considerable impairment of health' as required for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder and GERD were not incurred in or caused by his time in service. The Veteran's mental health conditions are presumed to be related to substance abuse, while his GERD is not shown to have been aggravated by a pre-existing condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD and hypertension are secondary to medications used to treat his service-connected left shoulder disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's character of discharge from service for the period prior to February 2, 1991 was not a bar to VA benefits. However, his subsequent service during and after this period is considered dishonorable, thus barring him from receiving VA compensation benefits for any diseases or injuries incurred or aggravated during these periods.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, PTSD with depression and anxiety, GERD, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim for left wrist disability is pending as it requires further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development regarding whether the Veteran's sleep apnea is related to his active service, despite its absence during service.