GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a videoconference hearing at the RO. The Veteran's appeal includes claims related to various conditions and disabilities, including tinnitus, glaucoma, allergic rhinitis/sinusitis, esotropia, diplopia, hearing loss, hypertension, GERD, and prostate cancer.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current GERD is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing on all issues, including the claim of service connection for GERD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD and diverticulitis, had its onset during active duty service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's stomach disability, including whether it is related to service and any other conditions. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for further medical examination and development to determine the extent of his service-connected status post uvulopalatoplasty, including whether his current symptoms are related to the procedure.

The Veteran's GERD with a history of esophagitis is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a compensable rating at any time during the pendency of the appeal.,The Veteran's abdominal muscle strain is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a compensable rating at any time during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 10 percent, but a separate rating of 30 percent for esophageal stricture is granted beginning May 7, 2015.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and throat disability with GERD were not incurred in service or due to a service-connected condition. The Veteran was employed during the period from January 5, 2009 to May 22, 2010, preventing him from receiving TDIU.

The Veteran's tension headaches have been rated at least 30 percent disabling throughout the appeal period. The Board finds that an initial rating of at least 30 percent is warranted for her chronic tension headaches.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for headaches has been granted, with the highest available rating of 50 percent effective from July 2006. The remaining claims are being remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of abdominal trauma with GERD has been granted, and he is now rated at 30 percent effective July 6, 2016.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to verify the Veteran's service dates and determine the significance of his dual status in the USAFR. The claims for sinusitis, ear disorder (Meniere's syndrome), and acquired psychiatric disorder will be remanded for additional examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for deep venous thrombosis and gastrointestinal disorder were denied. The claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a burn scar of the back was also denied, as there is no current evidence of residual disability due to the 2000 burn injury. For left knee chondromalacia, the Veteran's symptoms prior to April 6, 2015 warranted a finding of mild impairment but not more than that, and after that date, his condition did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for the issues of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea, gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), and sarcoidosis. As a result, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's GERD was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected PTSD or right knee disability, including as due to medications used for those conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD did not manifest during her first period of active service and was not aggravated by her second period of active service. As a result, she is not entitled to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's ischemic heart disease is currently rated at 10 percent and the gastrointestinal disability (stomach ulcers and GERD) has been granted. The Veteran does not have service connection for an enlarged prostate or headaches.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by fatigue is denied as there is no diagnosed condition.,Service connection granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. The Board finds the evidence at least in equipoise that this condition began during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the AOJ for further development, including an examination of his GERD condition and consideration of a TDIU claim.