IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2009

The Board grants an initial rating of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) from April 1, 2005.

The Board found that the Veteran's multiple claimed disabilities were not the proximate result of active duty and were, in fact, due to his own misconduct.

The veteran did not have loss of use of either lower extremity, and higher ratings for the other conditions were not warranted.

The veteran's initial rating for lactose intolerance/irritable bowel syndrome was increased to 30 percent, effective September 24, 1998.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, fibromyalgia, IBS, cholecystectomy, migraines, right knee injury, tinnitus, and other conditions, prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to January 10, 2005.

The Veteran's skin cancer is service-connected as it was etiologically related to his exposure to herbicides during active military service in Vietnam.

The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, a respiratory disorder claimed as asthma/reactive airway disease, hypertension, and a gynecological disorder manifested by abnormal vaginal bleeding, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The reduction in the disability rating of the Veteran's service-connected adenocarcinoma of the prostate status post radical retropubic prostatectomy from 100 to 20 percent, effective June 1, 2007, was proper.

The Board found that the reduction in the 60 percent rating for fractured ribs and pleural adhesions was improper, while denying an increased rating for a fractured right clavicle.

The Board remands the issues of entitlement to higher evaluations for PTSD, avitaminosis, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities for further development.

The veteran's Parkinson's disease with associated muscle fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are service-connected, while the claim for a skin disorder is remanded.

The veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and lumbosacral strain are being remanded for further development.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for service-connected residuals of a left knee injury with traumatic arthritis was denied, but new and material evidence was found to reopen the claim for service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine. Service connection was granted for DJD of the cervical spine and mixed posttraumatic/migraine headaches.

The veteran's service connection for Crohn's disease was granted, resolving the issue in his favor. The other issues remain in appellate status.

The appeal was remanded to secure a VA examination that addresses the nature and etiology of the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with gastritis.

The Board found that there was no clear and unmistakable error in the January 1978 rating decision which reduced the veteran's service-connected colon disability rating from 10 percent to noncompensable.

The Board denied a 10 percent evaluation for multiple non-compensable service-connected disabilities under 38 C.F.R. § 3.324 as the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not clearly interfere with his normal employability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chloracne, a vision disability, peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and a bladder disability were denied as there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and his active military service.

The veteran's initial rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was denied as the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids, as secondary to irritable bowel syndrome.