IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2011

The Veteran's GERD and IBS have been primarily manifested by alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more or less constant abdominal distress. The disability is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7319 for irritable colon syndrome.

The Veteran's IBS was increased from 10 percent to 30 percent effective June 11, 2010. The initial rating of 10 percent remains in effect prior to that date.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a stomach disability, including irritable bowel syndrome, and PTSD. The Board found that there is no evidence showing a current stomach disability related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left buttock injury, left sciatic nerve compression, and residuals of fractures of the pelvis and ribs, have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU rating based on these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of fractures to ribs and burns on the legs are granted as there is evidence of current disabilities with a relationship to in-service injuries.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for Meniere's syndrome and irritable bowel/colon syndrome were denied. The Board also found that the claim for a higher initial rating for tinnitus was not well-grounded as no higher rating is available.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for diverticulitis, IBS, hiatal hernia, and 50% of the Veteran's hypertension disability as secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Board finds that the Veteran has a history of symptoms consistent with irritable bowel syndrome dating back to service and continues to experience such symptoms. The evidence is in equipoise, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent prior to May 4, 2007 and at 40 percent beginning from that date. His irritable bowel syndrome warrants a 10 percent evaluation. The Veteran's bilateral shin splints do not meet the criteria for any compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's complete treatment records and to address his claims for service connection. The case will be returned to the RO/AMC for further action.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a videoconference hearing. The Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new examination as there may have been an increase in his disability since the last VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support the claimed conditions or theories of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, tinnitus, and IBS. Bilateral plantar fasciitis is presumed due to combat exposure in service. Tinnitus is presumed due to acoustic trauma in service. IBS is considered a presumptive disorder under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is etiologically related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings in excess of the current assigned disability ratings for PTSD, fibromyalgia, and IBS with a hiatal hernia and GERD.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, and generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks are all found to have originated during his active service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, PFB, and residuals of fractured ribs. The evidence did not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.