GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Veteran has been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) during the appeal period. The Board finds that these conditions are related to his military service.,The Veteran also claimed entitlement to service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, neurological problems, muscle and joint pains, right hip disability, and a lumbosacral spine disability. However, no examination or medical opinion was provided in this case.

The Board found that the Veteran's current GERD is not related to his military service, as there was no evidence of gastroenteritis during service and the symptoms are more consistent with GERD.

The Veteran's death was caused by sepsis, as a consequence of renal failure and esophageal cancer. The cause of his GERD symptoms during his inpatient stay at the VA domiciliary unit prevented him from preventing or identifying early-stage esophageal cancer, leading to his untimely death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for vertigo/inner ear disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder, GERD, hypertension, restless leg syndrome, and sleep apnea is denied as there is no post-service diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tension headaches, GERD, and loose bowels have all been denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a link to military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including cervical spine and upper extremity conditions, render him unemployable due to his physical limitations.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD has been manifested by occasional, although not persistent, symptoms such as epigastric distress and pyrosis. The criteria for a higher initial rating have not been met.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent prior to January 30, 2013. The Board has found that the Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity due to symptoms such as depressed mood; anxiety; panic attacks more than once a week; chronic sleep impairment; intrusive thoughts; disturbances of motivation and mood; difficulties establishing and maintaining effective work and social relationships; and GAF scores ranging from 45 to 65. The Veteran's PTSD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any time during this period.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining employment records and scheduling examinations to assess the severity of his hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease with a hiatal hernia and gastritis, and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's GERD has been rated at 60 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7346. The Board also granted TDIU benefits based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD with gastroparesis and hiatal hernia has been rated at the highest schedular rating of 60 percent, which is considered severe impairment of health.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hiatal hernias/GERD was aggravated by his service-connected inguinal hernias.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for peripheral artery disease of the lower left extremity, hypertension, and acid reflux disease were denied as there was no evidence showing a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more prior to March 11, 2015, or predominantly 110 or more thereafter.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative changes, but denied increased ratings for obstructive sleep apnea and GERD.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that his symptoms are productive of considerable impairment of health as contemplated by the higher 30 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.

The Veteran's claims for prostate disorder, stomach ulcers, and skin fungus/rash/cancer are denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran's skin condition was diagnosed during service but not related to it.,PTSD and GERD with gastritis have been granted service connection.

The Veteran was seen for complaints of headaches following a head injury in service and has presented competent and credible evidence that those headaches have persisted since service.,It is as likely as not that the Veteran's tinnitus is related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the conditions did not have onset in active service or are otherwise unrelated to service.

The Veteran's GERD was previously rated at 10 percent prior to August 7, 2015. From that date onwards, the VA determined his condition warranted a 30 percent rating due to persistent symptoms including heartburn and substernal pain.