IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2014

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders are caused or aggravated by his service-connected patellofemoral syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including the provision of a retrospective medical opinion regarding his ability to work during the period from September 18, 2006 to March 23, 2010.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. The Veteran's claims were based on his contention that he developed these conditions during service in the Persian Gulf War, but there was no direct evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran withdrew her increased rating claims for the listed disabilities and her claim for a TDIU before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IBS is a separate disability from, and was aggravated by, his service-connected fibromyalgia. The low back disability claim will be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches and gastrointestinal disorder (spastic colon and IBS), finding that the Veteran's preexisting conditions were aggravated by service. Service connection for a bilateral foot disorder is pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's IBS symptoms are attributable to her service-connected celiac disease and therefore denied separate service connection for IBS.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diverticulosis with IBS was denied in 1991. The case was reopened and the Veteran was granted service connection on July 29, 2005. The Board found that an earlier effective date is not assignable.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal and lumbar spine disabilities were not related to service or to an incident of service origin, and thus denied his claims.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for irritable bowel syndrome was denied, as he is already receiving the maximum schedular rating available.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, with a rating of 60 percent for prostatitis effective February 20, 2013.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD is related to service, but there is insufficient evidence linking his IBS to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with a rating of 10% for residuals of a right wrist fracture and an initial evaluation higher than 10 percent for irritable bowel syndrome. The gastrointestinal disability other than IBS, hiatal hernia with GERD as residuals of helicobacter pylori infection, and tinnitus are all found to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) for scheduling a videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after this action.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and providing a VA examination to address the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection and increased rating for gastrointestinal disabilities, including duodenal ulcer, rectal/colon polyps, hemorrhoids, gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, was denied. The Board found that the VA opinions did not substantially comply with the September 2012 Remand instructions.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS does not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background for the period beginning July 11, 2012.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, diagnosed as dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, was incurred in active service. The Board granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 50 percent, the highest possible rating under the applicable criteria. His service-connected IBS is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a new examination.