IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to determine the appropriate disability rating for his service-connected Reiter's syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for post-operative residuals of fusion of the cervical ribs, thoracic outlet syndrome, right and left upper extremities is being remanded due to inadequate examination reports. A new VA examination is required to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hemorrhoids, left shoulder impingement syndrome, urinary incontinence, posterior fistulotomy, status post hemangioma liver with scars, diverticulitis, and retinaculum removal are all granted. The Veteran is assigned a noncompensable (0%) disability evaluation for her service-connected lipoma removal scar.

The Veteran's IBS was rated at 30 percent from February 27, 2013. The Board found that the symptoms more nearly approximated severe symptomatology of diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions and VA records, particularly regarding the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's colon cancer.

The Board finds that the Veteran's chronic constipation is presumed related to her active duty service, and grants her claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, IBS (claimed as amebic dysentery), hiatal hernia, and peptic ulcer. The evidence shows that these conditions had their onset during active duty service and are related to such service.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS, residuals of a gastrointestinal disorder, resulted in a higher initial disability rating from February 26, 2013. The temporary total disability rating based on surgical treatment necessitating convalescence for his IBS was granted from July 18, 2006 to August 31, 2006.

The Veteran's left ankle lateral instability is rated at 20 percent from February 8, 2008 to April 28, 2009. The Veteran's IBS is rated at 30 percent effective since the date of his claim.

The Veteran is granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and bilateral knee constipation secondary to her service-connected left ankle disability. Service connection for a lumbar spine, cervical spine, bilateral hip, or bilateral knee disabilities are not established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome or any other qualifying chronic disability that could be presumed due to undiagnosed illness in the Gulf War environment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and his symptoms are more likely related to non-service-connected conditions or natural aging processes.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and joint pain. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly assess these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and tinnitus, meet the criteria for a TDIU due to their combined rating of 60 percent. The Board finds that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment as a result of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's joint pains, including bilateral knee and shoulder pains, are found to be due to undiagnosed illness related to his service in the Persian Gulf War. The claims for genital warts, herpes, shingles with residuals of nerve and joint pains, and broken ribs were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or a connection to service.

The Veteran's breast cancer is granted service connection, and her IBS is granted a 30% rating effective January 30, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have hearing loss for VA purposes in either ear, and thus service connection is denied for bilateral hearing loss. The other issues on appeal are also denied.

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at 30 percent since November 8, 2011. The rating is in accordance with the criteria for moderate symptoms with diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation.

The Veteran's residuals of broken ribs have been rated at a 10 percent disability rating, the highest possible under the applicable criteria.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and sexual impotency, but remanded the remaining claims due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is not shown to have current diagnoses or symptoms related to dyspepsia, cervical condition, IBS, lower back condition, urinary incontinence, or liver condition.