IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a Gulf War examination.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), was not shown to be related to his military service. His left ankle disability did not result in ankylosis or marked limitation of motion.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is found to have its onset during service, and the Board grants service connection for IBS.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, right sciatica, left shoulder joint disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and IBS have been granted increased ratings. The effective dates for these increases are not specified.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hiatal hernia did not have its onset in service and is not shown to be a result of service or caused or aggravated by service-connected disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection for hiatal hernia is denied.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is rated at 30 percent since the initial rating period, and his lumbar spine degenerative disc disease remains at a 20 percent rating. The claims for service connection for presbyopia and liver hemangioma were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine spondylosis, IBS, and hemorrhoids are related to her service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's IBS is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 7319 for moderate to severe irritable colon syndrome with frequent episodes of bowel disturbances and abdominal distress.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to assess her claimed conditions.

The Board has granted a 30 percent initial disability rating for IBS, effective October 7, 2007. The Veteran's appeal regarding service connection for pneumonia, shakes, left knee condition, chest pain, urethral stricture (claimed as chronic bladder problems), and asthma is also granted.

The Veteran's GERD was granted an increased rating to 60 percent effective April 4, 2015. Prior to this date, the disability had been rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for Hanta Virus, IBS, anemia (claimed as blood thinning), left ear disability, skin disability, and leishmaniasis were withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's IBS is causally related to service, but denied her claim for a pelvic floor disorder due to lack of evidence. The rating and effective date remain pending.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have objectively exhibited signs or symptoms of residuals of a fracture of the superior aspect of the left scapula, non-displaced fractures of the right seventh, eighth, and tenth ribs, a non-displaced fracture of the right sacral area, or a hairline fracture of the posterior aspect of the left ilium. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference hearing and further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including new examinations and the obtaining of additional medical records. The issues include claims for increased evaluations for fibromyalgia with irritable bowel syndrome and major depressive disorder, as well as a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for IBS with hiatal hernia and GERD was granted, effective January 6, 2015. The RO considered the impact of the hiatal hernia and GERD from that date onwards.,An effective date earlier than February 20, 2007, for the grant of service connection for IBS is being sought.

The Veteran's service-connected right hallux valgus with degenerative joint disease, bursitis, and exostosis, right mallet toes, and IBS do not meet the schedular criteria for higher ratings. The Board has determined that these conditions are adequately addressed by the current rating schedule.,VA treatment records and VA examinations noted chronic right foot pain in the Veteran's service-connected hallux valgus with degenerative joint disease, bursitis, and exostosis.