IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2015

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at 10 percent since May 22, 2013 and the Board finds that a higher rating of 30 percent is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was reopened and granted. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence shows that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD for VA purposes. Service connection is also granted for sleep apnea, right foot hammertoes, left foot hammertoes, skin disorder (including elbows, knees, and hands), IBS, and GERD.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records and a need for another examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's claimed disability.

The Veteran's initial ratings for IBS, Allergic Rhinosinusitis, Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety Disorder prior to December 9, 2010, and Hypertension have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU. Service connection has not been established for the respiratory condition, right knee disability, or hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is presumed service connected, his hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a disability rating, and he was granted a 10% rating for GERD.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA medical examination to determine if the Veteran's elbow disabilities and gastrointestinal symptoms are related to his service in Southwest Asia, including as due to an undiagnosed illness. The claims will be re-adjudicated after the examination.

The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that the evidence was in equipoise as to whether it is manifested by moderate symptomatology with frequent episodes of bowel disturbance and abdominal distress. The claimant's in-service symptoms are considered, along with her current complaints, leading to a favorable decision.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected urinary frequency disability and her claimed Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and issues, including service connection claims for various health problems. The Board has scheduled a Travel Board hearing to address these matters.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obesity, bilateral hearing loss, and IBS has been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities related to these conditions or their development in service.

Service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist is reopened, and a 30 percent evaluation for post-operative residuals of cholecystectomy with IBS is granted prior to June 29, 2010. The effective date for these determinations has not been established.

The Veteran's digestive disorder and hysterectomy residuals are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, memory loss, and migraine headaches due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, diagnosed as functional bowel disorder, was first manifested during service and is considered to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is related to service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals at his local regional office. The issues include rating adjustments and service connection claims.

The Veteran's fecal incontinence associated with irritable bowel syndrome is currently rated at 60 percent for the period beginning on June 22, 2015. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of her records, particularly related to her gynecological conditions, right thumb injury, left upper extremity disorder, bilateral knee disorders, and National Guard service.

The Veteran is in receipt of SMC based on the need for aid and attendance, effective January 27, 2012. The Board found that prior to August 11, 2014, his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for an enhanced/higher level of SMC.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome began during service and is related to his military service, granting him service connection.