IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2014

The Veteran's service connection claims for allergic rhinitis with sinusitis and gastrointestinal disability (claimed as irritable bowel syndrome) are granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to ensure a complete record is available before deciding the Veteran's claim, including obtaining relevant medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Veteran's duodenal diverticulitis with irritable bowel syndrome was rated at 30 percent effective from December 12, 2011. The rating for hemorrhoids remains non-compensable.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at the Naval Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida on December 12, 2009 are now covered by VA as it meets all criteria for emergency treatment of a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination and incomplete medical records.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS, but denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity and generalized arthralgia involving ankles, shoulders, knees and hips. The right inguinal hernia claim is also addressed.

The Veteran's IBS was granted service connection as it is a qualifying chronic disability that became manifest during her active duty in the Southwest Asia theater of operations. The claim for chest pain (pulmonary embolism) is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, finding no current disabilities or evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for all issues listed on the title page prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Veteran's post-concussion syndrome (claimed as head injury) is currently rated at 0 percent, and the VA has not determined whether a higher rating is warranted for this condition.,The Veteran's status post fracture of ribs 6, 7, and 8 is currently rated at noncompensable. The VA has not determined whether a compensable rating is warranted for this condition.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and fatigue have been granted service connection under presumptive provisions due to his Persian Gulf War service. Service connection for granulomas of the lung has also been granted but with a noncompensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an addendum opinion from the January 2010 examiner to address the onset and etiology of his psychiatric disability.

The Board has ordered the case back for further examination and readjudication due to procedural issues, including the Veteran's failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a stomach disorder characterized by diarrhea is granted as his IBS, diagnosed after service, is considered to be the result of disease or injury incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development, including scheduling a hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's IBS with duodenal ulcer with hiatal hernia has been rated at 30 percent since June 5, 2013.

The Veteran sustained fractures to his right ribs during service and the healed fractures represent current disability. The Board finds that service connection for residuals of fractures of lower right ribs (ribs 10 through 12) is warranted, granting the claim.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and requests for further development, including scheduling VA examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's gastrointestinal symptoms are related to his Gulf War service and whether they qualify for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for further examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected disabilities.