IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis B and mononucleosis were denied as new and material evidence was not received. The claim for coronary artery disease is denied because the condition did not onset in service or within one year of separation, and there is no link to service. The claim for residuals of a third rib fracture remains service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for the residuals of in-service vaccinations, cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, right upper extremity neurological disability, left lower extremity neurological disability, and right lower extremity neurological disability was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis or disability related to his adverse reaction to in-service vaccinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for further examinations of his service-connected traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic headaches.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The case will be returned to the RO in Detroit, Michigan for further action.

The Veteran's depressive disorder, NOS, has resulted in occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas since March 17, 2009. He is currently rated at 50 percent for this condition.,The Veteran's migraine headaches have been rated at 30 percent since March 17, 2009. The Veteran has had very frequent completely prostrating attacks of migraines with severe economic inadaptability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a genitourinary disability, claimed as epididymitis and/or hernia is denied.,Service connection was granted for irritable bowel syndrome (previously gastritis) with an initial non-compensable rating. The rating was increased to 30 percent effective December 30, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar osteoarthritis and irritable bowel syndrome have been reopened, but the claims are not granted. The effective date of any future grant will be determined based on when the claim was received.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with gastritis and gastroenteritis, had its onset in service and is therefore entitled to service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disorder, back disorder, and left foot plantar fasciitis. The initial disability ratings assigned are as follows: a non-compensable rating for IBS and a 10 percent rating for right ankle sprain with tendonitis and right talus cyst.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal of all issues, including the increased disability rating for cervical strain and service connection claims. The Board has dismissed these issues.

The Veteran's IBS was granted service connection and assigned a 10 percent disability rating effective August 10, 2012. The Board found that the evidence supported a finding of moderate IBS with frequent episodes of bowel disturbance.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin disorder was reopened and granted effective July 1, 1974.,Service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was granted effective June 30, 1975.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for an irritable bowel syndrome is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of IBS and service connection for cholecystectomy, peptic ulcer disease, esophageal spasm, muscle tension headaches, and memory loss have been granted. The effective date is set at the date of receipt of the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including post-operative degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and asthma, prevent her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his service connection claim for diverticulitis.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, claimed as IBS. The Board finds that the case should be remanded to obtain updated treatment records and VA examinations to determine if his symptoms are related to service or secondary to his service-connected hemorrhoids.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of testicular trauma, a depressive disorder, and a stomach disorder were denied. The claim for PTSD was not granted.,New evidence received since the last denial does not relate to unestablished facts or raise the reasonable possibility of substantiating any of these claims.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 50 percent, the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 5276. The other issues have been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IBS is related to his service-connected tuberculosis, and therefore grants service connection for IBS.