IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2016

The Board finds that the Veteran's irritable bowel disorder, diagnosed as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, underwent an increase in severity during his period of service from May 2008 to February 2009. Therefore, it is at least as likely as not that this condition was incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome was incurred during active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right ovarian cyst was diagnosed during service and has resulted in atrophy of an ovary. Service connection is granted.,No definite diagnosis of a cyst of the cervix was made during or after service. Service connection is denied.,Current complaints of pelvic pain are attributable to extensive adhesion disease of the pelvis and omentum, unrelated to service. Service connection is denied.,Gas, bloating, and abdominal pain are at least as likely as not related to a service-connected gastrointestinal disorder (IBS). Service connection is granted.,No current chronic cervical spine disability has been diagnosed; the Veteran's cervical strains are episodic, acute injuries. Service connection is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently non-compensable as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7101.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, combined with his non-service-connected back and joint conditions, has rendered him unemployable. However, this determination is based on his non-service-connected disabilities rather than solely on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance, as he requires assistance with daily activities such as feeding himself, keeping himself clean, and protecting himself from environmental hazards.

The Veteran's urinary incontinence is rated at 40 percent, and the Board has granted a higher rating of 60 percent based on his need to change absorbent materials more than four times per day due to urine leakage.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals, and the case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Veteran's IBS symptoms have been manifest since March 10, 1998. An effective date of March 10, 1998 for the grant of service connection for IBS is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing and to issue a Statement of the Case regarding his claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD, IBS, ED, and hypertension are secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records. The case will be reconsidered after these are obtained.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic tension headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia were granted with effective dates of June 1, 1995. The claim for service connection for memory loss was denied due to lack of evidence within the one-year appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome warrants a 30 percent disability evaluation, effective from the date of the initial award.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings and an earlier effective date were denied. The appeal regarding the lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right shoulder sprain, left ankle sprain, allergic rhinitis, and tension headaches is pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disability, right hip disability, and gastrointestinal disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or any link to service.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome has been rated at 30 percent since October 1, 1999. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.