IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD with bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted, and the case is remanded to determine if a higher rating above 30 percent is warranted. The appeals for initial compensable ratings for allergic rhinitis and hypertension are also addressed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right ankle disability, sleep disorder secondary to PTSD, GERD and gastrointestinal issues secondary to PTSD, erectile dysfunction secondary to PTSD, fibromyalgia secondary to PTSD, cervical spine disability, and loss of teeth #8 and #9. The primary issue is that the Veteran's claims are based on service connection for PTSD, which does not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's IBS caused severe symptoms from February 4, 2009 to October 8, 2009.,After a right hemicolectomy in October 2009, the Veteran's IBS status post surgery caused moderate symptoms beginning December 1, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and hypertension, as well as a higher rating for sinusitis, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome has been granted service connection as a qualifying chronic disability due to undiagnosed illness. The lower extremity nerve condition and rectal condition are remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's fungal infections of the bilateral feet and IBS are not related to her active service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the Veteran's service dates and obtain her complete treatment records. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran is seeking additional VA educational assistance benefits beyond the 48 months she has already received. The Board has ordered a remand to determine if additional vocational rehabilitation benefits are necessary for her education program.

The Veteran's service connection claim for acid reflux disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as his initial compensable evaluation for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), was granted. However, the rating assigned is not specified.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent, and her irritable bowel syndrome is rated at 30 percent. The combined rating does not meet the criteria for a TDIU based on these conditions alone.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of her claims. Her cervical spine, lumbar spine, left hip disabilities, and IBS are all under review.

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

The Veteran's combined rating of 80 percent for PTSD and irritable bowel syndrome did not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to July 11, 2012. Since then, his service-connected irritable bowel syndrome alone does not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining such employment.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with spastic colon and constipation, to include as secondary to his service-connected anxiety and dysthymic disorders, is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ due to inadequate reasons and bases for denying service connection for gastrointestinal disorders, including Crohn's disease, IBS, and GERD. The Veteran is entitled to a new VA examination to determine if his current gastrointestinal disorders are related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as his claims for service connection for right and left elbow conditions. The effective dates for these conditions were not changed.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and possibly conducting another VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to enable the RO to issue a Statement of the Case for issues related to service connection and increased ratings for various disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.