IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2007

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for various conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, pes planus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, a chronic sleep disorder, and gout of the bilateral feet. The cases will be further reviewed by the RO.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination.

The Board denied service connection for sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction and gastrointestinal condition (hiatal hernia and reflux disease) claimed as secondary to service-connected PTSD.,There is no evidence of current existence or direct link between the veteran's active duty service and these conditions.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome. The case is being remanded to address the issue of an earlier effective date for service connection.

The veteran's IBS and associated incontinence have been rated based on their severity, with the IBS receiving a 10 percent rating initially and later a 30 percent rating. The incontinence received a 10 percent initial rating prior to February 1, 2006, and a 30 percent rating as of that date.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for IBS/GERD and found that hypertension and PVD were not service-connected, with the reasons provided.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability evaluation for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but denied the claim for mechanical low back pain as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and initial compensable ratings for his right shoulder disorder, right arm disorder, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome, and onychomycosis. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The VA determined that the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and depression with sleep disturbance do not warrant an increased evaluation beyond the current 10 percent rating.

The Board found that the veteran's death was caused by a pulmonary embolism resulting from a fall due to his hearing loss, which prevented him from hearing his wife's warning. The cause of the fall and subsequent injuries were not definitively established.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to failure to consider certain VA outpatient records and for a VA gastroenterology examination.

The veteran's flu-like symptoms, joint pain, fatigue, and headaches have been granted service connection as manifestations of an undiagnosed illness.,His IBS with associated nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea has also been granted service connection under the new-and-material theory.

The veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and assigned a noncompensable rating, effective May 8, 1995. The veteran's hypertension and heart disability are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The VA has determined that the veteran does not have a current diagnosis of an acquired psychiatric disorder, hearing loss, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, or joint pain related to his military service. The Board finds no evidence supporting these claims.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to May 2, 2000.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including vaginitis with moniliasis, bilateral axillary adenitis, chronic urinary tract infections, sinusitis, fibrocystic breast disease, a left knee disorder (secondary to right knee disability), diabetes mellitus, and a bilateral foot condition. The Board found that the evidence did not support service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for impotence, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and fibromyalgia are being remanded due to procedural defects in the VCAA notice.

The veteran is appealing his claim of entitlement to service connection for stomach problems, diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Board has found that new and material evidence had not been submitted sufficient to reopen claims of other issues. As a result, the case is being remanded for further development.