IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2016

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, left and right calcaneal spurs, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome with diverticulitis have been rated as noncompensable (0 percent) since September 1, 2009. The Board has determined that a higher initial disability rating of 10 percent is warranted for the calcaneal spur disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, psychosis, major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, dysthymic disorder, and polysubstance dependence. The Veteran also received a grant of service connection for secondary stomach disorder. However, the claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for chronic fatigue syndrome as due to an undiagnosed illness with migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia from 100% to 60% was not proper. The reduction of her low back disability rating from 20% to 10% was found to be proper.

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at 30% since the initial grant of service connection, reflecting severe symptoms including frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with service connection established for arthritis of the left hip. The Board found that his left hip disability is related to service and resolved doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including updated employment and educational history, VA treatment records, and a comprehensive examination to determine the severity of her service-connected disabilities and their impact on her employability.

The Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disorder with dyspepsia, predominantly manifested by GERD and IBS symptoms, warrants a 30 percent disability rating from December 27, 2007 to July 7, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for service connection and increased ratings in various conditions, with some issues resulting in new and material evidence being submitted.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome was manifested by severe symptoms from June 3, 2013, but the effective date for a 30% rating is granted as of June 3, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and service treatment records. The Veteran's IBS and hemorrhoids are being evaluated to determine if they are related to his service-connected condition or incurred during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is not related to her active military service and therefore denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for irritable bowel syndrome with peptic ulcer and patellofemoral syndrome, right knee were denied. The Veteran was not granted a separate compensable evaluation for instability of the right knee.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disorder, best characterized as IBS, had its onset in service and grants service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia and GERD have been rated at the highest available rating of 30 percent, effective from April 2008. The Board has added issues for IBS and scars as part of this appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension. However, before the merits of that claim and the remaining claims on appeal may be adjudicated, additional development is required due to the need for a new VA examination for his sleep disorder and GERD with IBS.

The Veteran's peritoneal adhesions with IBS disability has been rated at 30 percent since April 7, 2007.

The July 6, 2006 decision denied service connection for various conditions including depression, tinnitus, stroke, colon cancer, gastrointestinal problems (irritable bowel syndrome), and Type II diabetes mellitus. The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in this decision.

The Veteran's IBS is currently rated at 10 percent after June 2, 2008 and at 30 percent from October 9, 2014. The Board finds that the current ratings adequately reflect his disability picture.

The Board found that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not warrant a compensable rating due to no deformity of the penis. For IBS, the evidence did not demonstrate more than mild symptoms warranting a higher rating.