GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by his active service, and therefore denied both claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and verifying the Veteran's service. The issues on appeal include reopening claims for heart disorder and gunshot wound residuals, as well as a claim for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease with history of duodenal ulcer is currently rated as 30 percent disabling since January 28, 2016.,The Veteran's stress fracture of the left tibia was initially noncompensably disabling and has been increased to a 10 percent rating effective January 28, 2016.

The Board has received a request from the appellant for withdrawal of their appeal, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, acid reflux, and sinusitis are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the potential causes of these conditions.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as they are not productive of considerable or severe impairment of health.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 30 percent since January 13, 2012. His shrapnel wounds to the lower extremities have not met criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD and sleep apnea were not incurred in service, as there is no evidence of these conditions during his active duty. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD due to MST, GERD, hyperthyroidism, and muscle spasm of the right shoulder. The new evidence received since the final denial supports these claims.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability from September 5, 2012. The appeal is now remanded for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU prior to that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the provision of outstanding treatment records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastritis with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is not etiologically related to active military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to March 12, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for increased PTSD and TDIU prior to January 3, 2012 are denied. The Board finds that the Veteran is not entitled to a higher evaluation for his PTSD or entitlement to TDIU due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from the date of his claim. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's GERD had its onset in service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition. The other issues on appeal are addressed in the remand section following the decision.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the receipt of new medical evidence, including records from Bill Nichols State Veterans Home and Body Audit Documentation Guides dated 2008 to 2009. The case is being remanded for an addendum opinion by a physician to determine if the Veteran's service-connected conditions contributed to his death.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current cervical spine, left knee, and left shoulder disorders are related to his service. The VA examiner provided a clear conclusion with a supporting rationale for the GERD and OSA diagnoses.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims.