IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was withdrawn. The Board found that the Veteran's tension headaches most closely approximated a 30 percent disability rating, based on characteristic prostrating attacks occurring once per month over several months. For his right ankle sprain with mild degenerative joint disease and arthritis of both knees, he is currently rated at 10 percent each.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, conducting a VA examination to assess the severity of his IBS, and determining whether his hemorrhoids are related to service or aggravated by his service-connected IBS.

The Board found that the Veteran's IBS did not manifest in service or within one year of separation and is not otherwise attributed to service. The upper respiratory disorder was not related to GERD.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of all his claims on appeal, and the Board has dismissed them.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for right upper extremity radiculopathy, gall bladder polyps, sprained ribs, and an initial compensable rating for hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as the Veteran's preexisting IBS was aggravated by active duty. The Board found no evidence of worsening in her STRs and thus did not find clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of aggravation.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD, hiatal hernia, and IBS have been rated at 10 percent since December 1, 2007. The RO has granted a 30 percent rating for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his inability to attend the scheduled videoconference hearing at the RO. His back disability caused him to seek emergency room treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD and IBS do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current gastrointestinal disability, including whether it is related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings on all three issues: irritable bowel syndrome, lumbar spine disability, and allergic rhinitis. As a result, the Board dismisses these claims.

The Veteran was granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, but denied service connection for a skin disorder and left foot disorders due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder (IBS) and denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's IBS is related to her service in the Gulf War, while her back condition is not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for service connection for an intestinal disorder, and the Board has dismissed the appeal without prejudice.

The Board has denied service connection for IBS and GERD, finding no chronic gastrointestinal disability at any point during the appeal period. The effective date of August 9, 2007, for the award of service connection for a back disability is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, residuals of head trauma, and diverticulosis have been adjudicated. The claim for IBS secondary to GERD was granted, the claim for residuals of head trauma was denied, and the claim for diverticulosis was granted.

The Veteran's IBS is currently rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating under the schedular criteria. His headaches are rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of shingles, diagnosed as post-herpetic neuralgia over the back and the left posterior area between the 4th and 6th ribs. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is also found to be related to her military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and hypertension, including opinions regarding potential service connection based on exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) or other theories.

The Veteran's GERD, IBS and status post-cholecystectomy are already rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is not shown to warrant a higher rating during any period on appeal.