IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2015

The Veteran's IBS disability has been rated at 10 percent and denied a higher rating on an extra-schedular basis.,The Veteran's cervical spine DJD disability has been rated at 10 percent (February 1, 2005 to April 12, 2010) and 20 percent (from April 12, 2010), and denied a higher rating on an extra-schedular basis.

The Board denied service connection for a left ankle disorder and a left Achilles tendon disorder, finding no in-service injury or disease. The Veteran's current complaints are not related to his military service.,Service connection was granted for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), found to be due to undiagnosed illness during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and cervical spine disability, finding that new and material evidence was submitted. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains denied as no new and material evidence was presented.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is remanded due to unclear employment history and conflicting opinions on his ability to work. Additional VA examinations are needed, and the RO must obtain updated medical records.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims for various conditions, including PTSD, chronic fatigue syndrome, and undiagnosed illnesses. The case is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus was denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection for a low back disability as it was granted by an October 2011 rating decision. The claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome remains pending.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder and mood disorder are found to be caused by his service-connected fibromyalgia, with the Board resolving any doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with appropriate VA examinations to assess his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at a 30 percent disability rating, the maximum schedular rating available for IBS under Diagnostic Code 7319. The Veteran's PTSD is not currently being considered as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's IBS and GERD are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the highest schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7319.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for myofascial lumbar syndrome, PTSD, and irritable bowel syndrome have been granted. The diagnoses of these conditions are supported by medical evidence, and the criteria for direct service connection have been met.

The Veteran's claim for an educational assistance benefits rate in excess of 60 percent under the post-9/11 GI Bill is denied as her only qualifying active duty service was less than 18 months and did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's IBS was granted service connection. The increased rating and SMC/TDIU claims are pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD, claimed as secondary to his service-connected IBS, is being remanded due to the need for a VA addendum opinion regarding the etiology of his GERD and whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected IBS.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disease of the lumbar spine, status post fusion L4-S1, is currently rated at 20 percent and her radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities are also rated at 20 percent each. The appeal for higher evaluations has been granted.

The Veteran's IBS was found to have its onset during service and granted service connection prior to December 5, 2011.,Service connection for TBI (headaches) is granted. The Veteran reported experiencing these symptoms since an in-service incident.

The Veteran's rib fractures and T-11 compression fracture are found to be service-connected. The low back disorder is not service-connected.

The Board has granted reopening of the claim for service connection for IBS, including diverticulitis of the colon (previously claimed as gastroenteritis), and has deferred further development until a VA examination can be scheduled.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome was manifested by severe symptoms of diarrhea, pain, and abdominal cramping that caused continual abdominal distress. The Board found the Veteran's symptomatology warranted a 30 percent disability rating for the entire rating period under appeal.