IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2001

The Board determined that the veteran's claimed neuropsychiatric disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected duodenal ulcer with irritable bowel syndrome, was not incurred in or aggravated by military service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim was also denied because there is no competent medical evidence demonstrating a causal relationship between the post-service reported psychiatric disorder and either active service or any service-connected disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and chronic bronchitis, as well as the propriety of severing his skin disability were denied by the RO.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic gastrointestinal disorder in service or for many years thereafter, and concluded that the veteran's current symptoms are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's appeal of the denial of an earlier effective date for his TDIU was timely filed, and the criteria for granting a TDIU with an effective date of November 2, 1988, have been met.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance has been denied as she does not meet the criteria for such benefits due to her ability to perform daily activities without significant assistance.

The Board has determined that the preponderance of the evidence is against the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis, cervical and lumbar spine disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, and increased evaluations for post concussion syndrome with anxiety symptoms and history of headaches and dizziness, as well as bilateral varicose veins. The Board found no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome, finding that the evidence did not support such an increase.

The veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia with reflux and irritable bowel syndrome is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the preponderance of the evidence does not support a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability due to the veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his neurogenic bladder and irritable bowel syndrome. The increased evaluation for the neurogenic bladder is maintained at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected psychogenic pain disorder, with irritable bowel and bowel adhesions, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the appeals for higher initial evaluations were also denied. The veteran was granted a reopening of his claim for irritable bowel syndrome on new evidence.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and paranoid schizophrenia have been denied. The RO has not assigned any rating or effective date for these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board found that the veteran's timely Substantive Appeal of the September 1997 denial of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was filed, and granted the appeal.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of PTSD and granted a 30 percent rating for headaches. The ratings for irritable bowel syndrome, low back disorder, and residuals of left foot injury remain unchanged.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and other benefits, including a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes. The decision was based on the evidence available at the time of the decision.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for the veteran's dysthymia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic skin disorder (other than involving the feet), with these conditions presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastroesophageal reflux with esophageal stricture and irritable bowel syndrome were not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that service connection is granted for the veteran's dysthymia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic skin disorder (other than involving the feet), with these conditions presumed to be related to his exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim of entitlement to service connection for irritable bowel syndrome must be remanded for additional development due to a failure to adjudicate the claim properly.