IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected ulcerative colitis/irritable bowel syndrome has been productive of severe irritable colon syndrome with diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation, warranting a 30 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is about the validity of a compensation debt arising from his fugitive felon status period, and he contests its creation. The case must be remanded for further development to address this issue.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (migraine and tension-type headaches, major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome) preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board grants the claim for TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and residuals of broken ribs. The evidence did not establish a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is service-connected due to its presumptive nature based on his service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, and hearing loss were denied. The claim for PTSD was reopened but not granted. Service connection for fatigue due to an undiagnosed illness remains in effect with a 10% evaluation effective February 18, 1998. Service connection for restrictive lung disease also remains in effect with a noncompensable evaluation effective February 14, 1997.

The Veteran's service connection claims for fatigue, persistent headaches, muscle and joint pain, dizziness, cognitive dysfunction, mood and sleep disturbance, ataxia and/or chronic balance difficulties, respiratory symptoms (asthma), gastrointestinal symptoms other than irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular symptoms (hypertension), and skin rashes were all granted.

The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The evidence does not meet the criteria for service connection under any applicable provisions.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone do not render him unable to obtain or retain employment, and a total disability rating for compensation based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, a colonic infarction, was related to his gastrointestinal problems during service. The Appellant is therefore granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for GERD and IBS with constipation was denied. The current disability picture does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left knee disorder, neck disorder, lumbar spine disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, and erectile dysfunction, were denied. The RO also denied his claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a scar of the right buttock.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for lactose intolerance/irritable bowel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous remand instructions, requiring a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder found.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 50 percent disability evaluation. The Veteran's PTSD is manifested by suicidal ideation, some difficulty working with others, and some irritability towards his wife.

The Veteran's claim for separate compensable ratings for GERD and IBS was granted, with the effective date being November 14, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability of diverticulosis/diverticulitis with irritable bowel syndrome and a hiatal hernia that is due to an event or incident of his active service.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including GERD, is being remanded for further development as the Board finds additional evidence necessary to decide his claim.

The Veteran was granted service connection for PTSD and irritable bowel syndrome, with the latter receiving a rating of 10 percent.,PTSD is associated with stressful experiences during convoy operations in the Persian Gulf War.