IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2017

The Veteran's MS is rated at 30 percent, and his depressive disorder, speech disorder, IBS, bladder disorder, visual field defect, and ED are separately rated. The Board finds that the Veteran's claims for higher ratings are not supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prior to October 28, 2016 did not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU. The Board has referred the case for extraschedular consideration under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b).

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, characterized as GERD and IBS, has been rated at a single 30 percent since November 7, 2014. Prior to this date, the disability was rated based on its predominant symptoms of epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals seeking to reopen claims for service connection for indigestion, asthma, and gall bladder disease have been withdrawn. The July 1999 rating decision is final as it denied service connection for left ankle disability, right ankle disability, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of legs, residuals of a left toe injury, indigestion, PTSD, vascular disease of the left leg, hypertension, and IBS due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were related to his military service. The Veteran's appeals have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received for any of these claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral bone spurs has been withdrawn. The Board finds that the Veteran currently has an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, which is related to his service.,Service connection for sleep apnea is granted as new and material evidence has been received showing a possible relationship between the Veteran's current condition and his active duty service.

The Veteran's IBS is currently rated at 30 percent, effective April 11, 2014. The Board found that the symptoms of severe diarrhea or alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress meet the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his military service.

The Veteran's IBS has been granted service connection as a qualifying chronic disability under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317, and he is considered a Persian Gulf Veteran.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left lower extremity disability did not have its onset in service and is not related to his active military service, including his service-connected right ankle disability.,The Veteran does not have any diagnosed collarbone or chest condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to conflicting evidence regarding the existence of a stomach disability and the need for a medical opinion on whether the Veteran's symptoms are associated with exposure to Gulf War environmental hazards.

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as qualifying chronic disabilities under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317 due to their association with undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained multisymptom illnesses.

The Veteran's IBS and bowel incontinence have been rated based on their severity, with the TDIU granted as of January 18, 2013.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, including as due to Gulf War service, is found to be at least ten percent disabling and has persisted for six months or more. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the grant of a total evaluation based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) in December 2015, which constitutes a full award of the benefits sought on appeal.

The Veteran's IBS with associated GERD and skin disability of the head and face are both found to be related to service. The Board grants these claims.

The Board has determined that the appellant's hypertension, rectal disorder other than irritable bowel syndrome, and vaginal disorder are not related to her military service or a service-connected disability.,As such, these claims have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction and left lower extremity radiculopathy, effective February 1, 2012. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his cervical spine disability, right and left knee disabilities, as well as, service connection for erectile dysfunction are remanded to allow for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 50 percent from March 22, 2010 to November 18, 2015 and in excess of 70 percent thereafter. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was granted.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions and examinations are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).