IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent evaluation for irritable bowel syndrome was denied as the earliest date of receipt of his claim is March 2, 2007.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, heart disorder, fibromyalgia, sleep disorder, gastrointestinal disorders, cold injury residuals of the hands and feet. The case will be returned to the Board after further review.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is manifested by diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress, warranting a 30 percent disability rating for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, claimed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the nature and etiology of his current stomach problems.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from May 6, 2009 through May 8, 2009 at Maine Medical Center were approved due to the emergent nature of his condition and the unavailability of VA facilities that could have provided the necessary care.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS and a gastroesophageal condition was denied as the most credible evidence indicates he does not have these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome is rated at 10 percent prior to August 26, 2008 and at 30 percent from that date. The lumbar spine degenerative joint disease is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's internal injuries, including digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), were not found to be related to service. The issue of an increased rating for PTSD from December 8, 2004 was dismissed due to the Veteran expressing satisfaction with the assigned rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of all submitted evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a fainting condition, irritable bowel syndrome with chronic constipation, and degenerative changes of the cervical spine is being remanded due to missing VA examinations. The examiner will determine if these conditions are related to service or any other factors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including bladder cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeal is based on presumed exposure to herbicides, but there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or to any specific exposure.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination, and the need to obtain updated treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical information regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected fistulectomy, sphincterotomy, cryptotomy for recurrent fistula in ano and his gastrointestinal symptoms. The Veteran is seeking a higher disability evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's digestive disorder is as likely as not a manifestation of an undiagnosed illness resulting from his service in the Persian Gulf. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran is granted service connection for IBS, but his other gastrointestinal disability (including GERD) is not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, finding that his current diagnoses are related to in-service symptoms and symptomatology.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge by videoconference at the St. Petersburg VA Regional Office.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The case has been remanded for additional development and consideration.