IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, vision disability, peripheral neuropathy of all extremities, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), were denied as there was no evidence of herbicide exposure or a link to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and lumbosacral strain, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The effective date for the grant of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's seborrheic dermatitis does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent as it affects less than 40% of his total body or exposed areas, and no systemic therapy is required.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD and IBS are not shown to be directly related to service or service-connected conditions, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the RO in Waco, Texas. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings and reopening service connection claims are pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD and IBS are not related to his service or service-connected PTSD, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected positional obstructive sleep apnea with periodic limb movement disorder. The issue of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and long-term diarrhea due to an undiagnosed illness or other qualifying, chronic disability pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1117 has been reopened on new evidence. A VA examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's allergic rhinitis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of any digestive disability, to include peptic ulcer disease. The Veteran's claims folder should be referred to the November 2011 VA examiner or another suitably qualified VA examiner.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and multiple musculoskeletal conditions, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that his combined disability rating of 90% supports the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) or a Decision Review Officer (DRO).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome most nearly approximates symptoms of severe disability, warranting a 30 percent rating. The appeal is granted as to this issue.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have a current disability. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorder, IBS, shortness of breath, and bilateral pes planus are remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome. Service connection is granted for a lumbar spine disability, depressive disorder with anxiety, and bilateral ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, and shoulder disabilities due to undiagnosed illness or in-service exposure.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain a new VA examination for his hearing loss and migraine headaches/IBS disabilities, as well as to obtain outstanding VA treatment records. The claims will be readjudicated after these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD and IBS are related to service, with aggravation during active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records. The initial evaluation for IBS remains on hold until further notice.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease, had onset in service and is now granted. The claim of secondary service connection for irritable bowel syndrome is also addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS with GERD is predominantly manifested by alternating diarrhea and constipation, with complaints of more or less constant abdominal distress. The Board finds that a 30 percent evaluation is warranted throughout the applicable period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and earlier effective dates, finding no new evidence to reopen or support service connection for various conditions. The appeals were dismissed.