IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2011

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is rated at the maximum schedular evaluation of 30 percent, effective from the date service connection was established.

The Veteran is entitled to a total rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, effective January 26, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, right hand disability (claimed as residuals of a fracture of the third finger), right hip disability, bone disorder (claimed as residuals of fractured ribs), and low back disability have all been denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's GERD with lower esophageal web or ring and irritable bowel syndrome have not met the criteria for a higher rating since February 25, 1994.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for further development of the record, including obtaining SSA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to her failure to appear at a scheduled hearing. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for residuals of a fracture of two right ribs and residuals of a head injury, to include headaches and dizziness, were denied as there is no competent medical evidence showing current diagnoses or etiological links to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome were denied. The claim for a disability related to heat and cold exposure was not addressed as it is not within the scope of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach disorder and irritable bowel syndrome, including as secondary to PTSD, was granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates ranging from October 15, 1979 to May 19, 1994. The Veteran is also entitled to a compensable rating for peritonitis since June 18, 1989.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions, including asthma and bronchiectasis, sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, gastrointestinal issues, erectile dysfunction, and diabetes. The claims are related to service connection for these conditions based on exposure to Agent Orange during active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection. The Veteran is seeking service connection for a bilateral eye disability, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's current 30 percent rating for residuals of cholecystectomy with irritable bowel syndrome is the maximum allowable under applicable diagnostic codes. The postoperative abdominal scar, which measures approximately 14.5 cm long and 1 cm wide, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on size or instability/pain.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS has been manifested by recurrent epigastric distress after some meals, mostly controlled on medication, but with breakthrough symptoms of nausea and regurgitation. She also had frequent exacerbations of diarrhea and more or less constant abdominal distress. There is no objective clinical evidence of dysphagia, pyrosis, material weight loss, hematemesis, melena, or moderate anemia.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD are service-connected. The Board also finds that the Veteran has a qualifying chronic disability for his undiagnosed illness claim, but additional development is needed to determine if his multiple joint aches and pains, irritable bowel syndrome, and fatigue are related to this condition.

The Veteran's IBS was rated at 30 percent since March 6, 2006. The rating is the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 7319.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, migraine headaches, a back condition, and COPD. The decision found that there was no evidence of an onset in service or relationship to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to her service-connected disabilities, which render her incapable of protecting herself from daily life hazards.