IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2005

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current left knee or gastrointestinal disorder as a result of service. The claims for increased ratings for skin and left ankle disorders are denied due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were aggravated by service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The effective date claim was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have residuals of bruised ribs or bilateral shin splints related to service and therefore denied both claims.

The Board found no evidence of irritable bowel syndrome during service or for many years after service. The veteran's current symptoms are attributed to diverticulosis, which was diagnosed in 1978 and confirmed by pathology reports.

The veteran's May to November 1991 hospitalization did not involve treatment for his service-connected IBS, and he was treated for other conditions during this period. Therefore, the claim is denied as no service-connected disorder required in excess of 21 days of his hospitalization.

The veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease was granted effective April 10, 2003.

The Board has determined that the veteran's depression and stomach disorder (IBS) are not related to her active service or any service-connected condition.

The Board found that the submitted evidence was not new and material, thus denying the reopening of the claim for service connection for a stomach disorder (formerly claimed as irritable bowel syndrome).

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and diabetes mellitus, finding that there is no evidence of current disabilities or a relationship to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his medical records and for VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected conditions. The issues on appeal include increased ratings for neuritis, chronic bronchitis with tuberculosis infection, and a duodenal ulcer.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims for service connection for fractured ribs, right clavicle fracture, residuals of right knee arthrotomy, and stomach ulcers.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination. The issue remains about entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected gastrointestinal disabilities.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome, effective from the date of the original grant of service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for disability exhibited by a heart murmur, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) claimed as nervous stomach, and osteoporosis. The evidence did not establish that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty.

The veteran's headaches and GERD with IBS have been granted initial evaluations, with the headache receiving a 10% evaluation and GERD and IBS receiving a combined 30% evaluation.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability and granted service connection on the merits. The appellant's other claims were denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bronchitis, irritable bowel syndrome, restless leg syndrome, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, coronary artery disease, arthritis of the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and hands. The decision also denies service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current bowel disorder, or any other claimed conditions. He was already receiving the maximum schedular rating for his scars.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings for various conditions, including a right arm disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, skin disorder, ankle disorders, knee meniscal tear, and left knee strain. The appeals were based on evidence not related to any presumptive exposure or previously service-connected condition.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain and bilateral inguinal hernias, and found that the veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The other claims were denied as not supported by evidence.