IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2013

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his gastroduodenitis and any relationship between his service-connected condition and his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for IBS prior to May 6, 2011, was denied. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for IBS after May 6, 2011, remains on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for IBS was also denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding all issues, including service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and claims to reopen service connection for muscle pain and cramps, sinus infection, fatigue, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IBS and bladder disability are proximately due to her service-connected organic mood disorder, resolving all reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and gastrointestinal disorder (other than IBS) to include as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is considered aggravated by service, while his left ear hearing loss is deemed a current disability incurred in service.

The Veteran's IBS is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling, which approximates the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is presumed to have been incurred during his service in the Persian Gulf War, and has manifested to a degree of at least 10 percent. The claim for service connection is therefore granted.

The Veteran's folliculitis barbae of the face and neck was granted service connection in September 1999 with an effective date of April 23, 1981. The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection in May 2000 with an effective date of December 23, 1998. The Veteran's IBS was granted service connection in November 2003 with an effective date of June 20, 2000.,The Board has determined that the earlier effective dates for folliculitis barbae of the face and neck (April 23, 1981), PTSD (December 23, 1998), and IBS (June 20, 2000) are granted.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for various conditions, a rating for irritable bowel syndrome, and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary examinations and development.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and IBS, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS and hiatal hernia is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 7346. The symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have diabetes mellitus or hypertension to a compensable degree within one year after discharge from service, and thus denied claims for these conditions. The stomach disorder with gastritis, IBS, h.pylori, and GERD was also not shown to be related to service or service-connected disabilities. Service connection for the right shoulder and left shoulder disorders were also denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for injuries to his right clavicle, shoulder, and ribs of the right side of his chest. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to an in-service injury in April 1946.

The Veteran's service-connected paranasal sinus disease and duodenal ulcer with gastroesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide the Veteran with appropriate notice regarding secondary service connection. The VA examiners will need to assess whether any gastrointestinal or back conditions are related to service, including service-connected psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is currently rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating under DC 7319 for severe symptoms including alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress. The right knee instability associated with his service-connected conditions remains rated as 20 percent.

The Veteran's service connection claims for mouth ulcers, lower gastrointestinal disability, and pain following bowel movements have been granted. The disabilities are considered to be directly related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's GI disorders, specifically gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), were not shown to be related to his active duty service. The VA examination did not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's alcoholism claim is dismissed. The Board grants service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that the evidence supports a link between the condition and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the evidence does not support an increased rating for his service-connected gastrointestinal disorder or residuals of excision of a ganglion of the right wrist. The hypertension with history of atrial flutter also did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.