IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board videoconference hearing. The issues on appeal are entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to a compensable evaluation for irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine disability, lumbar disability other than service-connected lumbar strain, bilateral hip disability, residuals of dysentery including GERD and IBS, chronic skin infections, and chronic vaginal infections have been granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's IBS and GERD are not caused or aggravated by her service-connected chronic rhinosinusitis, thus denying these claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic skin rashes. The Veteran will need to undergo medical examinations to determine if he currently has these conditions and whether they are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA outpatient treatment records and ensure all development actions have been conducted.

The Board has granted service connection for anxiety disorder with aggravation of bipolar disorder, and the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability is remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected fibromyalgia, combined with her other disabilities, necessitates the need for regular aid and attendance of another person as of August 28, 2013. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Board found that the Veteran's Cesarean section scar, right wrist condition, and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation are not service-connected due to lack of in-service incurrence or aggravation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hemorrhoids and umbilical hernia were denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under VA disability evaluation guidelines.

The Board denied service connection for a back disorder, sleep apnea/sleep disorder, and gastrointestinal disorder as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's claims were not supported by current evidence of these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome was withdrawn. The claim of service connection for heat urticaria remains denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen it.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disorder, fractured ribs, hypertension, and abdominal aortic aneurysm were not incurred in or aggravated by service.,There is no clear and unmistakable evidence showing these conditions existed prior to service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection, effective dates, and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the substantive appeal was not timely filed in several cases.

The Veteran's skin disorder of the groin and feet is service-connected, but his irritable bowel syndrome remains denied.,The VA examiner found no evidence of a chronic skin disability during active service. However, the Veteran was diagnosed with tinea pedis and tinea corporis in 2010.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome has been granted an initial rating of 30 percent, effective March 4, 2009. Service connection for lung cancer was denied due to lack of evidence supporting herbicide exposure.

The Veteran seeks service connection for gastrointestinal disorders, including GERD and IBS. The Board found the VA examiner's opinion inadequate due to reliance on lack of in-service treatment records without considering the Veteran's lay statements regarding symptoms during service.

The Board granted service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disability of chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease, effective November 11, 2010.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is found to be service-connected as it meets the criteria for a medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Board has granted service connection for the claimed conditions, including muscle and joint aches, headaches, nosebleeds, pre-malignant keratosis on face, arms, and lips, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and fibromyalgia, based on new evidence submitted by the Veteran.