Gastro-oesophogeal reflux disease

RMA definition and description

RMA definition of Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Signs and symptoms

The most common symptoms are heartburn (a retrosternal sensation of burning and discomfort) and waterbrash (a filling of the mouth with saliva).  These symptoms are often postural, being brought on by bending over or lying down.  Investigations include Barium swallow X-ray, endoscopy (direct inspection of the oesophagus through a flexible tube) and mucosal biopsy.

Establishing onset

A history of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease may be documented in the evidence.  However, initially the symptoms may have been minor and the veteran or member may not have sought medical attention for some time.  If doctors' and hospitals' records have been destroyed or can no longer be obtained and there is a reliable statement that gastro-oesophageal reflux disease first developed at a particular time this will generally be accepted, unless there is contradictory evidence.  Seek medical advice if it is unclear whether the symptoms claimed to be due to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease at that time were not due to some other condition.

LAST REVIEWED FOR CCPS 05 APRIL 2002.

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS [31530]

31558 there is some evidence that gastro-oesophageal reflux disease may be a factor in the worsening of the condition under consideration.

7334     the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred after the end of the veteran's last period of VEA service.

7335     the condition under consideration permanently worsened.

31559 the veteran has had gastro-oesophageal reflux disease at some time.

31561 the veteran was suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease at the time of the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

31562  the veteran has established the causal connection between the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and VEA service for the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

31563   the veteran has established the causal connection between the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and operational service for the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

or

31564   the veteran has established the causal connection between the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and eligible service for the clinical worsening of the condition under consideration.

CLINICAL WORSENING AND OPERATIONAL SERVICE [31563]

31565  the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is causally related to operational service.

31567 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of operational service to which the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is causally related.

CLINICAL WORSENING AND ELIGIBLE SERVICE [31564]

31566  the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is causally related to eligible service.

31568 the clinical onset of the condition under consideration occurred prior to that part of eligible service to which the gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is causally related.