IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeals for service connection were withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision. The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and major depressive disorder) as it is proximately due to her service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue symptoms. Service connection was also granted for fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The conditions claimed, including tinea pedis with folliculitis and bilateral pes planus, were not found to warrant higher initial disability ratings.

The Veteran's currently diagnosed degenerative disc disease of the back did not begin during, or for several years after, his active service and was not otherwise caused by his service. The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is also denied as there is no evidence that it began in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.