IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2002

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected irritable bowel syndrome and migraine headaches, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating than currently assigned.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The claim for increased evaluation of Achilles tendonitis was granted, with a rating of 10%. No new or material evidence was submitted to reopen the claims for residuals of back injury and gastrointestinal disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected IBS, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating at any time.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome does not warrant a rating greater than 10 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder condition and assigned a noncompensable rating. The veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, nabothian cysts, and left Bartholin's gland cyst are all rated as noncompensable under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and small bowel obstruction are not service-connected, with no aggravation of a pre-existing condition. The veteran's claims for an increased evaluation have also been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, psychiatric disorder (chronic depression), ovarian cysts, and asthmatic bronchitis are all service-connected.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected gastrointestinal disability, currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for low back and cervical spine disorders, acquired psychiatric disorder, cardiovascular disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome. The veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date prior to June 27, 1995, for the grant of service connection and a 60 percent evaluation for ischemic heart disease.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and pseudofolliculitis barbae, with the initial ratings of 10 percent each effective from August 12, 1992.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current conditions, including hypertension, hepatitis, and irritable bowel syndrome, to his service or any in-service occurrences. The Board concluded that these conditions are not related to his Persian Gulf Service.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for the appellant's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome with duodenitis and gastroesophageal reflux, effective from August 25, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and an effective date prior to December 8, 1986 for his service-connected irritable bowel syndrome. The issues were remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding the timing of his service connection.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, but denied some issues related to earlier effective dates.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding it to be a qualifying chronic disability under the provisions of the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001. The condition is presumed to have been incurred as a result of service in the Persian Gulf.

The Board found that the veteran's injuries were not incurred in the line of duty due to willful misconduct, specifically his alcohol consumption prior to and at the time of the accident. As a result, service connection for the residuals of the injuries sustained in October 1975 is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia, impotence, sleep apnea with fatigue, hair loss, and irritable bowel syndrome as undiagnosed illnesses incurred during the Gulf War.

The veteran's appeals for increased evaluations and TDIU have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeals.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, including diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome, finding that new evidence did not establish a current condition or link to service.