IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for insomnia, headaches, depression and anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, loss of motion, and frequent sore throats as these conditions are considered to be symptoms of his service-connected fibromyalgia.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected conditions, and thus denied his claim for service connection for the cause of death.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in any of his service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for irritable bowel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining clinical treatment records and VA medical records.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and retain all kinds of substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and medical records from a VA facility in San Jose. The case will be reviewed again after these documents are added to the file.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, sinus problems, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and stomach problems, peripheral neuropathy, or skin disorder due to service. The evidence does not support his claims for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that there was no current diagnosis of the condition and no evidence linking it to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected IBS, Morton's neuroma of the right foot, and subtalar dislocation and torn ligaments of the right ankle. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sleep apnea, chronic irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic erectile dysfunction to include loss of use of a creative organ. The veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent from September 29, 2003, to January 5, 2005, and the Board has not found that an evaluation in excess of 50 percent is warranted for his PTSD as of January 6, 2005.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for irritable bowel syndrome and cholecystectomy, finding that the veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the former or revised versions of Diagnostic Code 7319.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The RO granted a 60 percent rating for ischemic heart disease effective from February 15, 2005. The other claims were denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach condition, to include irritable bowel syndrome. The Board also granted service connection for this condition on a new and material evidence basis.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further development, including VA examinations.

The Board found no evidence of chronic irritable bowel syndrome related to service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeals regarding effective dates for service connection and disability ratings, as these issues are not within its jurisdiction due to the finality of previous RO decisions.

The veteran's IBS and GERD have not been productive of more than diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more or less constant abdominal distress. The basic criteria for a TDIU are not met.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to a scheduling issue for her Travel Board hearing. The issues of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, tendonitis of the left shoulder, and weight problems remain pending.