IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2016

The Veteran's IBS with GERD and Crohn's colitis disability was rated at 60 percent prior to December 1, 2015. From that date onwards, the rating for her gastrointestinal disorder increased to 60 percent.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary major depressive disorder is rated at 70% since April 13, 2015.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is rated at 20% since February 20, 2015.,The Veteran's IBS is rated at 30% since February 20, 2015.,The Veteran's hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet remains rated at 10%.

The Veteran's hypertension is not shown to have been productive of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more, systolic pressure predominantly 160 or more, or a history of diastolic pressure predominantly 100 or more with required continuous medication for control. The Veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease is shown to have been productive of symptoms that include abdominal pain, heartburn, diarrhea, regurgitation, and GERD.

The Veteran's GERD, including irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and hiatal hernia, has been rated as 10 percent disabling since May 11, 2009. The Board finds that the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for increased ratings and TDIU, as well as a SMC claim. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to properly adjudicate these claims.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative, thus the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for migraines and chronic fatigue syndrome or SEID. The other claims were denied due to lack of evidence linking the conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected IBS and post-operative rectal/anal stricture. The Board also granted a 30 percent initial rating for IBS, effective from December 18, 2012.

The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected residuals of an injury to Muscle Group III, finding that her disability picture more nearly approximates a moderate muscle injury. The claimant is not entitled to a higher rating as her symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a moderately severe or severe muscle injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues raised by the Court, including the need for further development regarding service connection for a low back disorder secondary to irritable bowel syndrome with collagenous colitis. The Veteran is to be scheduled for a VA examination and additional records are to be obtained.

The Veteran's service connection claim for IBS has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's IBS, also claimed as gastritis, has persisted for six months or more and is manifested by symptoms severe enough to warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability, lower back disability, bilateral ankle disability, IBS with residuals of a parasite infection, and headaches have already been granted by the AMC.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for Reiter's syndrome, which was initially granted in June 2010 and subsequently increased to 60 percent effective January 1, 2009, has been denied. The Board remanded the case for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for the issuance of a supplemental statement of the case due to outstanding VA and private treatment records not already associated with his claims file.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent since March 14, 2014. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected PTSD prior to that date.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal and gastroesophageal disorders were not shown in service and are not related to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's urinary incontinence is related to her active military service and grants service connection for this condition. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The Board dismissed the appeal concerning erectile dysfunction and dental disorder claims due to withdrawal by the Veteran.,The claim for an earlier effective date for IBS was dismissed as it did not meet the criteria for reopening a previously denied claim.

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that his disability picture more nearly approximates a severe level of severity warranting an increased rating to 30 percent.