IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2017

The Veteran's IBS and GERD have been rated at a maximum schedular rating of 60 percent since July 29, 2014. The Board has granted the Veteran a higher schedular rating for her IBS with GERD.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that new evidence did not substantiate the Veteran's claim of service connection for gastrointestinal disability, including IBS. The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that her current gastrointestinal issues are related to her military service.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia and related digestive conditions have been rated at 60 percent since August 31, 2009. The Board has also found that the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities are met.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, low back disorder, and associated upper and lower extremity radiculopathy are service-connected.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and neuropsychological disorder) is service-connected.,The Veteran's sleep disorder, fibromyalgia, multiple joint and muscle pain, hemorrhoids, recurrent headaches, cardiovascular disorder, gastrointestinal disorder, respiratory disorder, and left eye injury are not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded to obtain updated treatment records, a VA examination, and further development.

The Board has granted service connection for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Erectile Dysfunction (ED), both on a secondary basis to the Veteran's service-connected Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including readjudication of his increased rating claim for IBS and scheduling a video conference hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's IBS is unrelated to service and was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected GERD.

The Veteran's IBS with GERD was rated as noncompensable prior to November 18, 2014, and at a 30 percent rating beginning that date.,The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his service-connected IBS with GERD.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the appellant's SSA records, military dependent treatment records, and medical opinions. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has granted service connection for gastritis but denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to verify his alleged radiation exposure and obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's GERD with duodenal ulcer and IBS is currently rated at 30 percent, effective January 27, 2015. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, finding that these conditions are due to medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illnesses related to the Veteran's Persian Gulf War service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal conditions, including GERD and IBS, were not present during service or for many years thereafter and are not otherwise etiologically related to service. The claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal condition is denied.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU and his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS and GERD are currently rated at the maximum allowable under the rating schedule, and there is no evidence of additional disability warranting a higher rating. The claim for TDIU has also been denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete information and evidence. The Veteran's stressor allegations need to be verified, and a VA examination is required if stressors are confirmed.

The Veteran's appeal involves three issues: an initial increased rating for PTSD, an initial compensable rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis, and a request for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome. The case is being remanded to schedule the Veteran for a videoconference hearing.