GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, specifically GERD, is attributable to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are not related to active service or any incident of service. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, ankle disorders, knee disorders, hip disorders, and psychiatric and gastrointestinal issues, were denied as there is no competent evidence of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Veteran's GERD and antral gastropathy, from February 1, 2009 to March 20, 2017, are rated at a 10 percent evaluation. From March 20, 2017, the rating is increased to 30 percent.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals, thus dismissing the appeal.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was granted, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have prevented him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current ear disability and gastrointestinal disabilities are not related to service, as there is no evidence of chronic symptoms or diagnoses within one year post-service. The Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service events do not support a finding of causation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and lack of a meaningful analysis regarding continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board denied service connection for GERD, arthritis of the right knee and leg, and bilateral flat feet. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Parkinson's disease and related conditions, necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance of another person prior to December 11, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for a hearing before the Board.

The Veteran's hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia have been granted service connection, but the increased evaluation for gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia is denied.

The Veteran's overpayment debt for additional VA compensation benefits for her dependent spouse was granted, except for the period from April 2004 to October 2004 when she was not married.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosed sleep disorder, including sleep apnea. The service connection claim for GERD as secondary to sleep apnea was denied. For the initial rating period from September 24, 2008 to May 1, 2010, an initial disability rating of 10% for GERD was granted.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for GERD, and there was no indication of severe impairment of health or other symptoms warranting a 60% rating. For his feet disabilities, the Board noted that the evidence did not show he required at least one month of convalescence following surgery. The Veteran's cervical spine disability was also denied as service connection is decided on the merits.

The Veteran's claim for erectile dysfunction has been granted, with a finding that it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities. The other issues are addressed in the remand portion of the decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia. The issues include entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent and an initial compensable rating for psoriasis.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for various conditions including sleep disorders and a heart condition. He also seeks an initial compensable rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss.,The Veteran claims he has a heart murmur that was incurred in service or due to his now service-connected disabilities, but the VA examiner found no pre-existing heart disorder at entry into service.,The Veteran contends that he has GERD which is related to military service. The VA examiner determined there is no evidence-based medical literature associating GERD with exposure to infectious agents from the Gulf War.,The Veteran claims his chiari malformation was aggravated by service, but the VA examiner found it congenital in origin and not aggravated during active duty.,The Veteran seeks an initial compensable rating for his bilateral hearing loss. The most recent examination is over 5 years old.