IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2012

The Board found that the Veteran's left flat foot was incurred in service and granted service connection. The right flat foot, GERD, and IBS were not found to be related to service.

The Veteran's post-concussion headaches are rated at 50% effective December 20, 1999. Effective the same date, service connection for IBS and left varicocele and epididymitis is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS and gastroenteritis are currently rated as moderate in nature, with no credible evidence of constant abdominal distress. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including ulcer, GERD, and IBS with chronic constipation. The AOJ must ensure that all requested actions have been accomplished in compliance with this remand.

The Veteran's IBS with fecal incontinence is rated at 60 percent, effective from January 31, 2007.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess current severity.

The Board found that the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome was not caused or aggravated by any incident of military service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's service-connected costochondritis has been rated at 10 percent since March 22, 2002. The VA examiner found no evidence of respiratory problems or chest deformity and noted the Veteran had some tenderness to the right side of the sternum.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has requested that the issues be returned to the RO for reconsideration.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a bilateral heel disorder, flat feet, fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, gastrointestinal disorders, and erectile dysfunction prior to May 23, 2011. The decision is based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD and IBS were not caused or aggravated by his service or a service-connected disability, leading to denial of both claims.

The Veteran's dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome are rated at a 10% evaluation, while her bilateral shin splints do not meet the criteria for any higher rating.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is presumed to have been incurred in active service due to his Persian Gulf War service, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's IBS is secondary to her service-connected PTSD. The Board finds the opinion of Dr. M.W.C., who has treated the Veteran for several years, more probative than the VA examiners' opinions that it is not related to her PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO assigned a noncompensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss effective from October 6, 2006.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, hypertension, diverticulitis and irritable bowel condition, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), aches and pain in the entire body, bilateral arm pain, and bilateral shoulder pain as secondary to post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IBS and lumbosacral strain are etiologically related to his active service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board is remanding the claim for service connection for a low back disorder due to further development and consideration.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple issues, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, sinusitis, pain, uveitis, ankle disability, knee disability, hand disability, and fractures of the ribs. The Board found no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are service-connected based on direct evidence of a link between his current conditions and his military service.