IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2008

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals, status post-proctocolectomy as a result of ulcerative colitis and IBS is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion. The issue also includes secondary service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's combined rating of 80 percent for service-connected disabilities (PTSD, IBS, and left knee issues) meets the criteria for a TDIU rating. The Board found that his PTSD alone prevents him from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The veteran seeks service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and migraine headaches, both claimed as due to an undiagnosed illness. The case is being remanded for further development including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disability, including GERD and IBS, does not warrant an initial rating higher than the current 10 percent.

The Board finds that the veteran's skin rash with cysts did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking it to his active duty. The claim for service connection for a bowel disorder (including irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease) has been referred back to the RO due to lack of available VA treatment records from 1992-1993.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 30, 2002 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been denied as the evidence does not establish that his service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to this date.

The Board denied service connection for low back condition, fractured ribs, left foot condition, right foot condition, and residuals of a right toe contusion. The claim for bronchitis was remanded.,Service records do not show any documented injuries or conditions related to the claimed conditions.

The veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, and fibromyalgia are found to be due to an undiagnosed illness related to service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations. The gastrointestinal disorder other than IBS is also found to be due to an undiagnosed illness, but not service-connected. Headaches are found to be due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, and somatoform disorder are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Service connection was also denied for testicular cancer and skin cancer.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with gastritis, effective from the date of her claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and residuals of a tonsillectomy and removal of polyps from vocal cords do not warrant compensable disability ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for endometriosis, and a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for post-surgical abdominal adhesions.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome, the maximum allowed under DC 7319.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including asbestosis, hypertension, renal failure, irritable bowel syndrome, coronary artery disease, arthritis of the hands, and headaches. The reasons given were that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities (dysthymic disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and irritable bowel syndrome) combine to a rating of 70 percent. The Board finds that the veteran is unemployable due to her service-connected conditions, with the psychiatrist opining it is as likely as not she would be unemployable based on her depression alone.

The Board has determined that new evidence received since the June 1998 rating decision supports reopening the veteran's claim for service connection for gastroenteritis and/or IBS. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Board has granted an effective date of July 2, 2002 for the assignment of a 30 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome.

The veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, and the RO has awarded increased ratings of 10 percent for IBS and residuals of status post right hydrocelectomy. The rating for residuals of a fracture to the right fifth metacarpal remains at noncompensable.