IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and a gastrointestinal disorder (IBS, gastritis, Grave's Disease) have been granted. The effective date for the GI disorder is set at February 12, 2001.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder is not related to service. The VA examiner found no evidence that the current left foot-ankle disorder relates to his in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, other than GERD, to include IBS as secondary to his service-connected fibromyalgia is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his pending appeals, including those related to cervical spine disorder, liver disorder (including fatty liver), GERD, skin disorder, left knee disorder, gallbladder disorder (including gallstones), erectile dysfunction, IBS, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, vascular headaches, stress and nervous condition (psychiatric disorder), and gastroesophageal reflux disease are all granted service connection on a presumptive basis due to exposure in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran withdrew her appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain medical records and to provide the Veteran with a comprehensive VA psychiatric examination. The issues of service connection for PTSD, GERD, and IBS are being remanded.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and GERD, including consideration of her entire medical history and any potential common disease mechanism between these conditions.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left foot hallux abducto valgus. The claim for a compensable evaluation for residuals of fractures of the eighth and ninth ribs was denied as there is no evidence that removal or resection of ribs occurred.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, bilateral foot and knee disabilities, back disability, and digestive disability/IBS have been remanded due to the need for additional development of medical evidence.

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at 30 percent since December 12, 2007.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis are granted service connection, with the rating assigned at 10%.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as his claimed conditions did not manifest during active duty or due to undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with VA examinations to assess his irritable bowel syndrome and heart disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chondromalacia patellae of the left knee was granted, with a current evaluation of 10 percent. The claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) including as due to an undiagnosed illness was also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence of irritable bowel syndrome, but granted the highest schedular evaluation for fibromyalgia.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for TDIU and basic eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU based solely on service-connected PTSD or a finding that disability due to PTSD was permanent and total has been dismissed as the benefits sought have already been granted in full.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 50 percent is warranted due to his symptoms.

The Veteran was granted service connection for left knee chondromalacia patella, headache disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome. He does not have a current chronic fatigue disability that is separate from his service-connected PTSD.,The VA Persian Gulf examinations found no evidence of fatigue related to active duty in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations.