IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2012

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for all six issues, including the rating for diabetes mellitus and service connection claims for multiple myeloma, back pain, anemia, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Board has ordered additional development to verify the appellant's periods of ROTC, ACDUTRA and/or INACDUTRA service. The claims will be remanded for further review after the requested development is completed.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids was granted, and he is now rated at 30 percent. The claims to reopen his previously denied claims for migraines and IBS were both denied.

The Veteran's IBS/colitis is currently rated as 30 percent disabling, which is the highest schedular rating available for IBS. A higher rating would require severe ulcerative colitis with numerous attacks a year and malnutrition. Ulcerative colitis was repeatedly denied the Veteran and not shown in the clinical evidence of record. Accordingly, a rating in excess of 30 percent is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disorders, including diverticulosis, IBS, GERD, and anal fistula, are related to his military service. Service connection is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD remains pending. The issue of service connection for IBS has been resolved as the RO granted it with a 10% disability rating effective August 27, 2008.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disabilities, including GERD and IBS, were not incurred in or aggravated by his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral small vessel vasculitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and irritable bowel syndrome were denied. The claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome was not established.

The Veteran does not have a current right ankle, foot, or knee disability. She has been diagnosed with GERD and irritable bowel syndrome which had their onset in service.,Service connection is granted for GERD and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder was granted a 50% rating effective September 1, 2006. The IBS claim was denied. The TDIU issue is dismissed as moot due to the grant of a 100% disability evaluation for the acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for kidney infections, a duodenal ulcer with irritable bowel syndrome, and residuals of a cholecystectomy. The issues were characterized as whether new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for kidney infections, entitlement to an increased evaluation for a duodenal ulcer with irritable bowel syndrome, and entitlement to service connection for residuals of a cholecystectomy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current hepatitis disability, and his IBS and OCD were not incurred during service or related to any service-connected condition. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the point that he is unable to perform his current job, and the occupation for which he was previously rehabilitated remains suitable given his employment handicap.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IBS warrants a 10 percent rating, and his hemorrhoids warrant a noncompensable rating. The initial ratings are granted.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities. However, there is no medical evidence specifically addressing the impact of his irritable bowel syndrome on his employability.

The Veteran's postoperative hysterectomy is rated at the maximum available rating of 30 percent. The ratings for varicose veins and IBS are pending as new evidence may warrant higher ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and left wrist disorder are being remanded. His claim for increased ratings of his left knee disabilities is decided in favor of the Veteran.

The Board finds that the appellant's irritable bowel syndrome, which is related to his military service, has caused hemorrhoids. The evidence is in equipoise as to whether this relationship exists.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and gastrointestinal disability (irritable bowel syndrome) were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all, as the issues are related to other disabilities.