IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2008

The veteran's increased ratings for herniated nucleus pulposus, lumbar spine and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) were granted. The other conditions remained at noncompensable or zero percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date prior to May 21, 2001, for service connection of IBS and diverticulosis, and a rating in excess of 30 percent for hiatal hernia with GERD prior to that date.

The Board denied all claims, including the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to a lack of verified stressors.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for residuals of a fracture of the left 4th and 5th ribs, as well as his claim for an increased evaluation for residuals of a concussion. The veteran is not entitled to any compensable ratings for these conditions based on the evidence of record.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a stomach virus, irritable bowel syndrome, and sleep disorder. The evidence does not support these claims as they are not related to active service.

The veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is being remanded due to incomplete service records and the need to clarify her status with the Army Reserve. The RO must obtain all relevant medical records, confirm her military status, and schedule VA examinations to assess her current level of disability.

The veteran's claims for PTSD, GERD, hypertension, and IBS are being remanded due to the need for clarification of the sufficiency of the claimed stressors in support of his PTSD claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected fracture of the eighth and ninth left ribs does not warrant a compensable disability rating, but has granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for a residual laceration scar as secondary to the fracture.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected IBS warrants a restoration of her disability rating from 10 percent to 30 percent, effective as of when the reduction was proposed.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a stomach condition involving gastroesophageal reflux disease and/or irritable bowel syndrome, which was caused or aggravated by his service or a service-connected disability.