IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2015

The Veteran's IBS, HH, and GERD are currently rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 7319 for irritable colon syndrome. The criteria for a higher rating (60%) require symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health. None of these symptoms have been shown.,The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7101. The criteria for a higher rating (20%) require diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more. None of these conditions have been shown.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for fibromyalgia, low back strain, and irritable bowel syndrome. The Veteran was not granted any new or material evidence to reopen his service connection claim.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU is granted, with the effective date set at May 20, 2004. The Veteran was found to be unemployable due to service-connected disabilities as of that date.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that new evidence suggests a possible link to service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for IBS and for service connection for reflux, nausea, and severe weight loss were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for IBS or service connection for these additional conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected due to noise exposure during his military service. The other conditions (ulcer, IBS, and hemorrhoids) are not service-connected.

The Veteran's erectile dysfunction and neurogenic bladder with megaureter are found to be related to his active military service. The gastrointestinal disorder is not currently shown, but the Veteran maintains a claim for this condition. The psychiatric disorder is linked to his service-connected Hirschsprung's disease post-operative segmental colectomy.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is manifested by severe symptoms, including alternating diarrhea and constipation with constant abdominal distress. Therefore, a 30 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome is granted.

The Board found no medical evidence to support a connection between the Veteran's gastrointestinal disabilities and her military service, including as due to undiagnosed illness. The claim was denied.

The Veteran's respiratory condition is not service connected as it is linked to her long-term smoking habit.,Clubbing of fingernails and toenails are considered secondary to the respiratory condition.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected IBS was denied by the Board, as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7319.

The Board has remanded the case back to the AOJ for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including obtaining an additional etiology opinion regarding his irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his residuals of rib fractures is denied. His current disability picture does not meet the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5321, as it is characterized by moderate muscle disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic intestinal disorder, including irritable bowel syndrome, as there is no evidence of any chronic disease or disorder relating to his gastrointestinal system during his period of active duty. The post-service medical records show that he was diagnosed with IBS in 1999, over three decades after discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastritis/irritable bowel syndrome was granted in a June 2015 rating decision, and the issue has been rendered moot.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with associated GERD and IBS resulted in severe diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation, warranting a 30 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to the Veteran's request for a hearing and his withdrawal of previous requests. The case is now pending with instructions to schedule a hearing at the appropriate RO.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional development and to schedule the necessary VA examinations. The issues include claims for increased ratings for PTSD, head trauma/TBI, IBS/GERD, and service connection for sleep apnea.