Hiigher Rating Entitlement

[vet2010]

Question for the forum,

I am rated at 10% for Gerd (No hernias), since my initial rating in 2011. I was on one med at the time for Gerd (Prilosec) and my notes state because I have no hernias a higher rating is not granted. Fast forward, I have been on 3 different meds a day for almost a year (zantac once daily, Prilosec twice daily, and sulficate 4 times daily). I now have a heital hernia and my stomach is covered in polyps (to many to remove). I have neck and shoulder pain and I constantly vomit, in which my doctor state it's from my acid reflux. I am scheduled for a c and p soon, because I am 100%sc for two conditions that VA stated could improve. I read that VA grant up to 60% for Gerd and I think I meet the critiria. should I apply for a higher rating when I go for my c and p?  I am seeing a gastroenterologist (specialist the VA sent me too). My last endoscopy was less than 2 months ago which revealed the hiatal hernia.

 

Guys, please excuse the many post,

 

Edited March 6, 2016 by vet2010

[TALON II FE]

Yes, apply!

[DevilDog12]

I filed a claim in April of 2014 for a few issues, and Hiatal Hernia was one.  I went to my C&P and every issued was addressed but the Hiatal Hernia.  Now, this is listed under Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, as it GERD, under Gulf War Presumptive Illnesses.  Once the ratings came out, it was deemed, "Not Service Connected."  However, everything else was.  After reviewing my C&P notes, and noticing that it wasn't even addressed, I have filed a NOD.  It seems that they don't take these illnesses seriously, but they obviously don't live with them everyday.  And all my issues, HH included, just popped up all of a sudden years ago.  I was a healthy guy, who is not overweight, and had NO previous health issues, so I do believe that they are all related to service in Gulf.  So even though you have no Hernia, I believe you still deserve a rating higher than 10%, so I would definitely apply, and stay on top of them.  Trust me, I know what you deal with everyday, and it is not pleasant.  So, do not hesitate, and get your claim in ASAP. 

[ArNG11]

I agree with the above.  I have gone through all the typical meds and I even had a fundiplication done.  Thats where they wrap part of your stomach around your esophagus to create a homemade narrowing to keep the acids from coming up. Even doing positional therapy when I sleep.  I still have problems and I am back on Nexium.  

You don't want to leave this condition untreated, it can do quite a bit of damage.  From what you wrote down, just my opinion, you warrant a higher than 10% rating.  Look at the rating schedule and match your symptoms, put in for an increase if you haven't already, if the claim is still alive put in an NOD.  Sounds like you may be past the 1yr mark for the NOD but not matter.  There are steps that you can take to get the increase especially with medical evidence.   JMO