IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claims for service connection of chronic IBS, chronic head injury residuals, and a chronic headache disorder to include migraines were denied. The Veteran's cervical spine disability was granted an increased rating to 20%, while his lumbar spine disability was granted a 60% rating from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2005, and a 20% rating thereafter. Separate ratings of 10% were assigned for right sciatica and left sciatica. The Veteran's trapezius muscle strain was granted a 10% evaluation. Finally, the Veteran's panic disorder with depression was granted an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities, but the RO denied her claim. The case is now remanded for further evaluation and consideration.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as it is related to his in-service fear of enemy fire. The initial noncompensable rating for erectile dysfunction and the 10 percent rating for IBS are maintained, but a higher rating is granted for IBS.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, IBS, and dyspepsia were denied service connection. The initial compensable evaluation for IBS and dyspepsia was granted from October 14, 2004 to April 19, 2006, but a rating in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for anxiety disorder, hypertension, familial tremor, and IBS. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Board has remanded the case due to inextricably intertwined claims for service connection for GERD and IBS, which are related to the Veteran's service in the Persian Gulf War. The claim for service connection for GERD is being considered along with the newly raised claim for service connection for IBS.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, joint pain, and sleep disorder were denied as the evidence does not support a finding of these conditions being due to active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal of the claims for service connection for a left eye stye and right ankle strain has been withdrawn. The remaining service connection claims are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.