IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2017

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal and hearing loss disabilities were not service-connected, as there was no evidence of a chronic disability during or within one year after service. The Veteran did not have IBS, and his current upper GI symptoms are not related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's IBS and left brachial plexus neuralgia were not granted increased ratings.,The reduction of the rating for postoperative carotid subclavian artery bypass due to congenital malformation from 60% to 0% was denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective December 16, 2009.,The Veteran's IBS is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective June 10, 2010.

The Veteran's IBS and fibromyalgia have been granted service connection as they are considered manifestations of medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illnesses. The Gulf War Syndrome claim, including CFS, remains pending due to lack of evidence meeting the criteria for a qualifying chronic disability under VA regulations.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% prior to January 14, 2014 and his GERD with IBS is rated at 10% since November 4, 2013. Both conditions meet the criteria for their respective ratings.

The Veteran was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and has had frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress. The Board finds that the Veteran's IBS is a qualifying chronic disability under the Persian Gulf War presumption, warranting service connection.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease is due to his service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease. The Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's IBS has been manifested by symptoms indicating overall moderate impairment, to include occasional stomach bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and frequent episodes of alternating diarrhea and constipation. However, the schedular criteria are adequate to rate his condition at all pertinent points.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be related to his military service and granted service connection.,An initial rating of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome has been granted, reflecting frequent episodes of bowel disturbance and abdominal distress.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied. The Board has also remanded several issues, including scheduling a videoconference hearing.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated based on their current manifestations, and the Board has determined that none of these conditions warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, IBS, and bilateral ankle disability were denied. The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae was granted a noncompensable rating as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Veteran's IBS was found to warrant a rating of 30 percent prior to January 29, 2015. The Board also referred the issue of an extraschedular rating for IBS to VA for consideration.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his bilateral hammertoes, back disorder, bilateral foot disorder other than hammertoes, tinnitus, gastrointestinal disorder, fatigue, sleep disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeal will be returned to the AOJ after these issues have been addressed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability was granted, with a current evaluation of 20 percent. Separate compensable ratings were granted for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy effective from specific dates. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was also granted.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome and non-ulcer dyspepsia, effective November 4, 2015. The Veteran previously had a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and increased ratings for GERD with bile acid gastritis and IBS have been denied. The Board found no evidence of direct service connection or secondary aggravation, and the medical opinions were against these claims.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to September 25, 2013.