GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosis of GERD is related to his in-service heartburn and treatment, granting service connection for this condition. The issue of an increased rating for epididymitis remains pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's residuals of a colonoscopy and bowel perforation surgery are not related to VA carelessness, negligence, or lack of proper skill in providing a December 2008 colonoscopy. The Veteran's current gastrointestinal complaints predate his 2008 procedure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for GERD.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss disability is found to be etiologically related to in-service acoustic trauma consistent with his combat service in Iraq. Service connection for the condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for GERD, esophagitis, and gastritis was dismissed as moot due to a prior rating decision finding clear and unmistakable error (CUE). The appeal is not pending.,The Veteran was granted TDIU with an effective date of June 24, 2011. The Board found that the evidence showed the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of this date.

The Veteran's right tarsal tunnel syndrome with peroneal neuropathy and complex regional pain is currently rated at 20 percent, which adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms.,For GERD and IBS, a rating of 30 percent has been granted effective October 3, 2011. The Veteran's condition continues to meet the criteria for this higher rating.

The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia is currently rated at 10 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating as his symptoms are considered mild without medication.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the medical evidence and need for a supplemental VA medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's GERD.

The Veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been manifested by symptoms of epigastric distress including pain, pyrosis, regurgitation and nausea. However, these symptoms have not resulted in considerable impairment of health as required for a higher initial evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD, with mild diarrhea, is rated at 30 percent effective May 24, 2016. This represents the highest schedular evaluation allowed under the law.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastroesophageal reflux disease is not related to his active duty service or his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder with depression, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's chronic stomach disorder, including GERD, is not etiologically related to active duty service and does not qualify for secondary service connection based on his service-connected disorders. The evidence did not support a finding of service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including hiatal hernia and GERD, did not have its onset in service or due to his service-connected PTSD. The VA examiner concluded it was less likely than not that the Veteran's GERD had its onset during service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and need for clarification of opinions provided in prior examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current GERD disability is not related to service and cannot be attributed to any of his service-connected disabilities. The preponderance of evidence supports denying the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and recurrent H. pyloric infections, are found to be related to his service. His TDIU claim is granted effective from August 7, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to incomplete information regarding his employment status and the need for further development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA opinion on the impact of service-connected disabilities on employability.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to report for VA examinations and unclear address. The Veteran is required to provide her correct mailing address, and another opportunity for VA examinations will be provided.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and finds that it had its onset during his military service. The right knee disability is being remanded as additional development is needed to determine its etiology.