Is It Pssible To Lose Compensation For A Rated Condition

[jhboats]

I had an upper GI done at the VA this month and the doctors report said their was no evidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. I was diagnosed with this condition in the early 90's and had it for years while on active duty. I took medication to control it. Upon retirement I filed for service connection and the C and P doctor also diagnosed me with this disease and the VA prescribes me Meds for it. I am currently rated 10% for gerd. I feel the medicines and diet are working to completely control this. Can the VA take my compensation because of this doctors report stating no evidence of reflux disease.. Sorry so long

Jerry (Boats) Retired USN

[RockyA1911]

Chief,

Once you have GERD you will always have GERD, the medicine just controls it. Stop the medicine and it will come back with a fury of intensity. OF COURSE the VA doctor found no evidence of GERD. Is he a specialist such as a gastroenterologist? Probably not. Do yourself a favor and make an appointment with a real gastroenterologist and have a endoscopy done by him. I bet you'll find the IMO gastro guy finds that you do have GERD and it will outweigh the VA doctors diagnosis.

Edited August 31, 2006 by RockyA1911 (see edit history)

[Vike17]

The VA can reduce a veterans benefits if they become aware of a material improvement "under normal life circumstances." Having said that, the VA doesn't doesn't go looking to reduce a veteran, they already have too much work on their hands without creating any more.

The only way the VA would consider reducing a disability rating is if they receive any medical evidence that the disabiliy has actually improve beyond the current rating. This can happen during a routine scheduled C&P exam, or if a veteran actually sends those treatment records to their regional office for some unknown reason. Even if there has been some improvement of a servcie-connected condition, it has to be sustatined "under normal life circumstances," so if you're on continous medication to control the condition, I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Vike 17

Edited August 31, 2006 by Vike17 (see edit history)