GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for depression. The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for entitlement to service connection for hepatitis C, depression, lumbosacral strain with arthritis, TDIU, and non-service-connected pension were denied.

The Veteran's left wrist disability is due to his service-connected right ankle disability and has been granted.,The Veteran's right leg disability is also due to his service-connected right ankle disability and has been granted.,For the period prior to November 2, 2012, a 50 percent rating for depressive disorder has been granted. For the period since November 2, 2012, a higher rating is not warranted.,A 50 percent rating for migraine headaches has been granted.,For the period prior to November 5, 2012, a 10 percent rating for asthma has been granted. For the period since November 5, 2012, a higher rating is not warranted.,A 30 percent rating for TMJ disorder based on limitation of motion has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 20 percent rating for TMJ disorder based on unilateral loss of whole or part of ramus involving loss of temporomandibular articulation has been granted.,A 20 percent rating for the right ankle disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the lumbar spine disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the right knee disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the left knee disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,A 10 percent rating for the right carpal tunnel syndrome has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,A 10 percent rating for the right lower extremity neuropathy has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For the period prior to December 13, 2012, a 10 percent rating for GERD has been granted. For the period since December 13, 2012, a higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for the left ankle disability has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,For all periods under appeal, a 10 percent rating for sinusitis has been granted. A higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be processed in accordance with established appellate practices.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from performing sedentary or light duty work, and the preponderance of evidence is against finding that he cannot secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and development are needed to properly adjudicate the appellant's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, acid reflux disease, and service connection for cardiac disability and erectile dysfunction. The case is being remanded to the AOJ for these purposes.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD. The status of the other claims (GERD, athlete's foot, and lumbar spine disorder) is unknown.

The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric and skin conditions have rendered him unemployable for the entire period under consideration, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease was caused by medications taken for his service-connected low back and right knee disorders, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition as secondary to his service-connected orthopedic disabilities.

The Veteran's GERD has been manifested by intermittent symptoms including nausea, reflux, regurgitation, and occasional heartburn. These symptoms have not been severe enough to warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim of a bilateral foot disability was reopened, but the service connection claim remains denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the severity of the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and whether his sleep apnea and hypertension are proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected diabetes. The issues of entitlement to increased rating for diabetes mellitus, service connection for sleep apnea, and service connection for gastroesophageal disease (GERD) will be addressed in light of this additional development.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including peptic ulcer disease, hiatal hernia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is not considered to be the result of VA treatment. The Board finds that there was no fault on the part of VA in providing the care, and that the event causing the additional disability was reasonably foreseeable.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his prostatitis, duodenal ulcer disease, or lumbar strain prior to specific dates, and he was not granted service connection for GERD.

The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, but his gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and respiratory disorders are not.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine his exposure to Agent Orange and the nature, extent, severity, and manifestations of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for a right eye disability and cholecystectomy residuals including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of the Veteran's claimed gastrointestinal disability. The examiner must review the complete claims file and provide opinions on whether any diagnosed gastrointestinal disabilities are related to service or herbicide exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right and left leg injuries, back injury, and stomach/GERD disability are not related to his service. The claims for residuals of a left leg injury (other than a left knee scar), residuals of a right leg injury, and residuals of a stomach injury/GERD have been denied.

The Veteran's insomnia is already considered in his service-connected PTSD rating, so he cannot be granted separate service connection for this condition.,There is no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's OSA was caused or aggravated by any service-connected disability. Therefore, service connection for OSA is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional private treatment records. The issue of increased evaluation for GERD remains pending.