IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2010

The Board denied service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder and irritable bowel syndrome, both claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered related to his period of service.

The Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal condition, characterized by hiatal hernia and IBS, is productive of dysphagia, vomiting, nausea, and scapular pain. The rating assigned reflects the severity of these symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his low back injury and associated radiculopathies of the lower extremities, as well as service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), was granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his service personnel records and verifying stressors related to PTSD. A VA psychiatric examination will be conducted to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disability, and a VA examination will be conducted to determine the nature and etiology of IBS, sleep disorder, and fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with history of amebic dysentery is currently rated at 30 percent disabling.,The effective date for the grant of TDIU cannot be earlier than January 31, 2005.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for IBS. The Veteran's in-service diagnosis of IBS, along with post-service diagnoses of probable IBS, supports a finding of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and IBS, but found that the Veteran's conditions do not warrant higher initial ratings than the currently assigned 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at 30 percent since the grant of service connection, which is the highest rating available under Diagnostic Code 7319. The RO will continue to assign this rating as it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for payment of unauthorized medical expenses for a period of hospitalization at North Fulton Regional Medical Center from April 6, 2007 to May 15, 2007 is denied as he had coverage under a health plan contract and therefore reimbursement was not permitted.

The Veteran's residuals of resection of the 9th and 10th ribs have been granted a 10 percent rating, effective from the date of claim. The compensable rating is for his residual scar on the left side of the chest extending up to the left upper back.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoporosis, as well as increased ratings for existing disabilities. The case is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, depression, IBS, and hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The other claims were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome is granted, as it was filed on February 16, 1996. The decision also grants a rating increase for supraventricular tachycardia.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with reflux and irritable bowel syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the symptoms described.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including irritable bowel syndrome, depressive disorder, arthralgias in multiple joints, headaches, and fatigue, idiopathic fasciculation (muscle twitching), tinnitus, chondromalacia patella of the bilateral knees, left shoulder tendonitis, post-operative scar tissue, and chronic sinusitis with nosebleeds, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a compulsive eating disorder (obesity), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as secondary to her service-connected PTSD. The claim for service connection for a complete hysterectomy was remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, chronic residuals of syphilis, chronic residuals of infectious mononucleosis, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (claimed as secondary to PTSD).

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypothyroidism. Service connection was also denied for PTSD, IBS, sleep apnea, and a right hand disorder. A right ankle disorder claim is being remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen his service connection claims for CFS and IBS, as well as his service connection claim for a right knee condition. The effective date of these decisions is not specified.

The Veteran's interstitial cystitis is rated at 40 percent since September 12, 2008. She was granted an initial rating of 40 percent for her service-connected interstitial cystitis prior to that date.,The Veteran's IBS is rated at 30 percent.