IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2003

The veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was denied. Service connection for hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux was granted, but only at a noncompensable rating prior to March 20, 1997, and then increased to 30% thereafter.

The Board has determined that the veteran's fractures of ribs were proximately due to his service-connected lumbosacral spine injury, thus granting secondary service connection for these residuals.

The Board found that the veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, diagnosed as gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome, was not incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome, which is the highest available rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including a duodenal ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome, was documented during service and within one year of discharge. The Board finds that the veteran has a long-standing medical history suggestive of these conditions, which began within one-year of his return from Vietnam. Service connection is granted for this condition.

The Board has granted an effective date of April 13, 2001 for the grant of a 10 percent rating for residuals of fractures of the left 6th and 7th ribs.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from securing or following all kinds of substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied service connection for GERD and irritable bowel syndrome, finding that the veteran's symptoms were not related to his military service.

The veteran's anxiety/depression is rated at the highest possible evaluation of 70 percent, while his cervical spine disability and low back strain are each rated at 20 percent. The bilateral knee strain and irritable bowel syndrome do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current gastrointestinal disorders and his service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, back injury residuals, and headaches. The claim for residuals of injury to the lower right ribs remains closed as no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board finds that the appellant does not have residuals of fractured left ribs or a left shoulder injury due to military service. The evidence does not support his claims.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for PTSD was denied, but his claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), finding that these conditions are secondary to the veteran's service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a thoracic spine disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, headache disorder, and PTSD.

The Board found no objective clinical evidence of PTSD and the veteran refused to participate in a VA psychiatric examination. The diminished vision, injury of ribs on left side of chest, and low back injury were not incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of Entamoeba dysentery, to include irritable bowel syndrome, were incurred in service and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's gastritis, irritable bowel, duodenal ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux do not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent. The compensable rating for recurrent hemorrhoids is also denied.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, effective from November 2000.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed as he requested to withdraw his appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision by the Board.