GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim to reopen the endometriosis was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of aid and attendance, warranting SMC at the aid and attendance rate.

The Veteran's acid reflux, to include GERD, was not incurred in and is not related to active service. The claim for service connection has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new VA examinations and readjudication of his claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including PUD, GERD and H. pylori, is not related to service.

The Veteran's GERD is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's left medial plateau stress fracture is currently rated as noncompensable. The evidence does not support a compensable rating.

The Board granted initial ratings of 10 percent for GERD, left inguinal hernia, and right shoulder dislocation and impingement since December 20, 2011. The Veteran's GERD is not shown to be manifested by symptoms that warrant a higher rating. The left inguinal hernia is reasonably shown to be manifested by symptoms consistent with a small postoperative hernia not reasonably reducible. The right shoulder disability is reasonably shown to be manifested by pain and consequent limitation of motion approximately to shoulder level.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of December 1, 1999 for a grant of TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

PTSD was initially granted with a 30% evaluation prior to September 5, 2012. The Veteran's PTSD has since been increased to 50% from September 5, 2012 to February 2, 2017 and to 70% thereafter.,PTSD remains at a maximum of 70% on or after February 2, 2017.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder other than IBS, including GERD. The Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD are found to have their onset in service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of her left knee disability, gastrointestinal (GI) condition(s), and PTSD.

The Veteran's tinnitus is the result of in-service acoustic trauma, and service connection for this condition is granted. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is also granted as it meets the criteria for direct service connection due to noise exposure during service.

The Board denied service connection for insomnia, low back disability, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was granted a rating of 10 percent effective June 2, 2016.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection for TMJ, prostatitis, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a left elbow disability, GERD, migraines (to include as secondary to obstructive sleep apnea), right ear hearing loss, and hypertension during his October 2016 Board hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including providing a VA examination to address whether the Veteran's gastrointestinal disabilities are caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Board found that the Veteran's stomach disability, including as secondary to PTSD and due to Agent Orange exposure, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examiner concluded that the hiatal hernia is a congenital condition and not caused or permanently aggravated beyond normal progression by military service, PTSD, Agent Orange exposure, or alcohol ingestion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining service records and medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's GERD with history of hiatal hernia has worsened, and the VA needs to obtain updated medical records and conduct a new examination to assess his current disability level.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to various conditions and service connection claims. The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and ensuring all relevant VA treatment records are associated with the file.