GERD (acid reflux) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hemorrhoids are causally related to his service, specifically as a result of his duties as a helicopter pilot. The GERD is not considered service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and incomplete records. The Veteran's digestive disorder, including peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is being evaluated again with a new VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastroesophageal disorders are not related to his military service.,The Board determined that the Veteran's sleep disorder is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with GERD is manifested by alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more or less constant abdominal distress. The Board grants a 30 percent rating for this condition, effective March 15, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his Schatzki ring and PTSD, finding that a rating in excess of 30 percent was not warranted from November 25, 2006 to March 5, 2008, and since March 6, 2008, the Veteran's Schatzki ring has not been manifested by a moderate stricture. The Board also denied his claim for an increased rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and review of VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hand and thumb musculoskeletal strain, as well as his claim for service connection for left shoulder/arm musculoskeletal strain. The decision also found that there was no legal basis to award a higher monetary amount of special monthly compensation solely for loss of use of a creative organ.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, diagnosed as GERD, was not found to be directly related to service. The Board determined that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for clarification of the April 2012 VA examination report and for obtaining any relevant VA treatment records.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux have been rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted, but the effective dates are not specified. The Veteran is entitled to service connection for urticaria of the upper and lower lips, a cesarean section scar, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Increased ratings have been assigned for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder is related to service-connected PTSD or any other factors.

The Veteran's hypertension was not found to warrant a higher rating, and service connection for various conditions including low back disorder, knee disorders, foot disorders, shoulder disorders, diabetes mellitus, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorder (GERD), and fatigue were denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for GERD and supraventricular tachycardia have been denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS is rated at 10 percent, effective from the day after separation. His right knee DJD remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's initial rating for GERD with hiatal hernia and diverticulosis was granted at a 30% level, effective from April 30, 1999. The appeal related to service connection for gastrointestinal disability other than GERD, hiatal hernia, and diverticulosis is not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a disorder of the colon, to include diverticulitis, bilateral hearing loss, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The decision found that preexisting bilateral hearing loss was not aggravated during active duty.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with GERD is currently rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating under the applicable diagnostic code. The Board affords the benefit of doubt in favor of the Veteran and grants a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including re-rating of his service-connected GERD and IBS under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.114.