IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional treatment records and conduct further examinations for his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have any service-connected disabilities, and therefore, her claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for cervical spine disability and IBS are being remanded due to the need for new examinations and additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed back disability and gastrointestinal disorder, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as whether these conditions are related to service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS has been granted with a 10% evaluation, effective from April 28, 2009. The Veteran does not have bilateral hearing loss or migraine headaches that are service connected.

The Veteran's IBS was not manifest during service and is not attributable to service. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding in favor of service connection for IBS.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome has been service connected, but he contends that his current symptoms warrant a higher disability rating. The Board has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition and address his claim for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the appellant's service connection for bilateral hearing loss is granted, and his Gilbert's Syndrome with irritable bowel syndrome is rated at its highest possible evaluation of 100 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to a request for the dismissal of all issues by his representative.

The Veteran's service connection claim for irritable bowel syndrome and long-term diarrhea is denied as the condition has been attributed to lymphocytic colitis, a known diagnosis. The reduction of his allergic rhinitis rating from 10% to noncompensable effective July 1, 2008, was proper.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is presumed to have been incurred during his service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, and it meets the criteria for a 10% disability rating under Diagnostic Code 7319.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's onychomycosis of the great toes was not present in service and is not etiologically related to his active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for this condition has been denied.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The claim of a bilateral foot disability was reopened, but the service connection claim remains denied.

The Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was denied. The claims for increased rating for IBS and initial rating for migraines were granted, with the highest available ratings of 30 percent each.

The Veteran's claim for payment of or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Ozark Health Medical Center on July 25, 2011 was denied. The Board is remanding the case to issue a statement of the case regarding this issue.

The Veteran's service treatment records show multiple episodes of acute gastrointestinal complaints, but no chronic condition was diagnosed. The VA examiner found no current intestinal disorder and opined that the Veteran did not meet the diagnostic criteria for IBS.

The Board found no evidence to support a causal relationship between the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and his military service, resulting in denial of this claim.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disorders, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are supported by medical evidence linking them to her active military service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and issues, including service connection for various psychiatric, gastrointestinal, and substance abuse disorders. The case is being remanded to clarify representation and schedule the appropriate hearing.

The Veteran's case was remanded by the Board for a hearing. The appeal is now being remanded due to the Veteran's failure to attend the scheduled hearing.