IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2000

The veteran's skin condition, stomach problems, migraine headaches, dysthymic disorder, and allergic rhinitis are not service-connected. The joint pain is considered a chronic disability due to undiagnosed illness as per the Persian Gulf War criteria. Residuals of a hysterectomy are also considered a chronic disability due to undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's claim for a higher SMC rate and an earlier effective date for his combined rating of 100 percent were denied. The reimbursement claim for the spas was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, effective from the date of the decision.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with a combined evaluation of 70 percent effective from May 13, 1998. The specific conditions and issues are listed above.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for injuries to his right shoulder, ribs, head and back.

The Board found that there are no current residuals of the veteran's service-connected chest injuries and denied his claims for increased ratings.

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 10 percent, and service connection for hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, cervical muscle strain, muscle tension headaches, and lumbar muscle strain are granted as secondary to his PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 12, 1996, for a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The decision found that no earlier effective date could be assigned as there was no contemporaneous evidence of entitlement to individual unemployability within the nine-month period following the February 23, 1996 Board decision.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical services provided during his hospitalization at Sewickley Valley Hospital was denied because the treatment did not meet the criteria under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1728 and VA regulations, specifically due to lack of prior authorization and failure to meet the requirements for emergency care.

The Board has restored a compensable rating for the veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome, effective from November 27, 1990.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, heart disease (chest pain), bilateral knee arthritis, dizziness, and bilateral varicose veins. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was also denied.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension due to needing aid and attendance of another person or being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either condition based on his service-connected disabilities and other medical conditions.

The Board granted service connection for various conditions and assigned a 10 percent disability evaluation to the fracture of the left ankle. Service connection was also established for first degree atrioventricular block, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sinusitis, recurrent ear, nose, and throat infections, hiatal hernia, gastritis, and cervical spine radiculopathy. The claim for service connection for rib pain was denied as not well grounded.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of entitlement to service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, Barrett's esophagitis, and esophageal cancer. The Board also continued the denial of her claim for an increased rating for irritable bowel syndrome with psychophysiological intestinal reaction and her claim for a TDIU.

The veteran's claims of service connection for various injuries and disabilities were denied due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current disability levels.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for her 100 percent evaluation for anxiety reaction with irritable bowel syndrome is well-grounded and has been granted as of March 25, 1996.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow the RO to adjudicate new claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux disease, both as secondary to PTSD. The total disability rating based on individual unemployability claim will also be readjudicated.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected rib injury and right knee disabilities, finding that the current evaluations adequately reflect her disability levels.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, gastroenteritis, right ankle disorder, and vaginitis are well-grounded. The claim for tuberculosis is not well-grounded.