IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2001

The Board denied increased evaluations for various service-connected conditions, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under either version of the applicable rating criteria.

The Board determined that the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is not manifested by more than moderate symptoms, and thus denied an increased rating.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of ischemic heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and emphysema. He also withdrew his notice of disagreement regarding higher ratings for PTSD and peripheral neuropathy.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine was granted. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for bipolar disorder was also granted, with a 30 percent evaluation effective from February 1, 1993. Other claims were continued at their prior evaluations.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities did not warrant a compensable evaluation, and thus denied his claims for increased ratings.

The VA granted a higher evaluation of 10 percent for service-connected irritable bowel syndrome, dysthymic disorder, urinary incontinence, arthralgia syndrome (multiple joints), and status post-operative arthritis of the right radial compartment effective June 19, 2001.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for her service-connected gastrointestinal disability, which includes irritable bowel syndrome/spastic colon and gastric ulcer. The appeal is currently remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and determine the appropriate rating.

The Board is remanding the case due to the need for a medical opinion regarding whether the veteran's service-connected cardiovascular disability contributed to his cause of death. The RO should arrange for an appropriate examiner to provide opinions on these issues.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than March 31, 1997, for a 30 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome is denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and peripheral neuropathy, render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board dismissed the veteran's claims due to lack of timely substantive appeal for issues related to undiagnosed illnesses.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for IBS was granted, and the effective date of his 30 percent rating is set at July 12, 1991. The veteran's request for a clothing allowance was also addressed.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of her husband's death, dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and dependency and indemnity compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's right knee scars and has denied an increased rating for his pneumothorax with fractured ribs. The effective date is not specified.

The veteran's claim for service connection for dysthymia was denied, but he received a grant of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome with a 30% evaluation effective March 11, 1991. The TDIU was granted effective from the same date.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an effective date earlier than November 7, 1996, for the grant of service connection for status post total prostatectomy for carcinoma of the prostate with residual impotence due to herbicide exposure. The issues of entitlement to service connection for left breast cancer and right rib metastasis were also addressed.

The Board determined that the veteran does not have current diverticulitis, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is rated at a 10% disability evaluation effective from November 19, 1997.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a cholecystectomy, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal disorder, hypertension, and respiratory disorder are all related to his active service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied an increased disability rating for the veteran's service-connected diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome with colitis and duodenal ulcer.