IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with the service-connected GERD and IBS receiving an initial rating of 30 percent effective April 19, 2009. The low back disability received a higher initial rating of 40 percent effective that date.

The Board has determined that there is a need for further development of the Veteran's claim, including obtaining additional service treatment records and scheduling an examination to determine if his IBS is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were granted, with the exception of his claim for bilateral hearing loss. The remaining claims were granted based on presumptive service connection due to exposure in the Gulf War Theater.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current left knee disability, as well as the severity of service-connected irritable bowel syndrome. The case will be remanded for these purposes.

The Board has found service connection for the claimed conditions, with resolution of doubt in favor of the Veteran. The criteria for secondary service connection are met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities were continuously rated totally disabling for a period of less than ten years immediately preceding his death. The Board concludes that the requirements for entitlement to DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1318 have not been met, and the claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The specific issues of increased rating for irritable bowel syndrome and service connection for acquired psychiatric disability remain unresolved.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of injury to right ribs and back. The claim is therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hemorrhoids was denied as there is no evidence of the condition during or after his military service. The claims for GERD and right knee DJD are pending, with further examination needed to determine their current severity.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for GERD and IBS, as well as the initial ratings for PTSD and constipation. The Veteran's appeal is pending further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IBS, sleep disorder, and fibromyalgia are not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. As such, these claims for secondary service connection have been denied.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for IBS with GERD, effective from the date of the decision. The claim to reopen service connection for low back disability is granted and the Veteran's IBS with GERD is rated under Diagnostic Code 7319.

The Veteran's claims for erectile dysfunction, gastrointestinal condition (including IBS, GERD and/or hiatal hernia), and tinnitus have been denied as they are not service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS due to undiagnosed illness, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board has granted a TDIU based on the appellant's service-connected disabilities. The appeal for higher evaluations of bilateral hearing loss disability, peripheral neuropathy of the right and left lower extremities, and peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities is remanded.

The Veteran's septoplasty surgery in July 2004 resulted in a temporary total evaluation, effective from the date of surgery. Service connection for his stomach/abdominal disorder remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right thumb chronic strain post trauma is related to service and grants this claim. The issue of entitlement to service connection for irritable bowel syndrome requires additional development as the VA examination report is inadequate.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is found to be caused by his service-connected panic disorder, and the Board grants this claim. The issues of service connection for gastrointestinal disorders other than IBS (diverticulosis and/or GERD) and hypertension are remanded.

The Board found CUE in its October 21, 2008 decision and granted an effective date of February 15, 2006 for the grant of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's right hallux valgus with degenerative joint disease, bursitis and exostosis is currently rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 10 percent. The Veteran does not have all mallet toes on her right foot.,The Veteran's service-connected right mallet toes are currently evaluated as noncompensable.