IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2018

This decision grants service connection for sleep apnea and TDIU, but denies an increased rating for PTSD. The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70%.,The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a 100% disability rating for PTSD due to his ability to maintain social relationships with family and fellow veterans despite his symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including left ankle, knee, shoulder, low back, foot hallux valgus, metatarsalgia, IBS, and migraine headaches, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher ratings based on limitation of motion or other criteria.

The Veteran's disability rating for IBS and GERD was reduced from 60% to 30%, but the Board has restored the original 60% rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis was denied as the disability is rated at its maximum of 30 percent.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including IBS, is remanded for additional development and consideration of whether it is related to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea with fatigue, headaches, a lower gastrointestinal disability (IBS), a neck disability (cervical spine arthritis), and a low back disability (lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and facet arthropathy of L5-S1).,Service connection was also granted for a left shoulder disability (degenerative joint disease) based on the Veteran's reports of in-service injuries.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for asthma, bilateral shoulder pain, gastrointestinal disorder (IBS), and incontinence due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for fibromyalgia, IBS, and a left knee condition are granted. The lower back, bilateral shoulder, and neck conditions remain pending as the evidence is not sufficient to establish service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were not processed under the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program due to administrative reasons.,The Veteran’s gastroenteritis with IBS is assigned a maximum rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach condition (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is denied. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his right elbow disability and for service connection for a psychiatric disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and lumbago due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for SLAP of the right shoulder was granted effective June 16, 2015. The initial compensable rating for IBS prior to June 1, 2016 and chronic interstitial cystitis were also granted.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 30 percent from November 21, 2017 forward and the right hand CTS is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and entitlement to a TDIU. The evidence did not support a current diagnosis of IBS, and the Veteran’s colitis was considered sufficient to meet his employment needs.

The Board has denied service connection for IBS and remanded the issue of service connection for a sleep disorder as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for irritable bowel syndrome and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining missing service personnel records, VA Form 21-8940s, and private treatment records.

The Board has denied service connection for IBS and remanded the issue of service connection for a sleep disorder as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no evidence to support her assertions of in-service injury or a current disability related to military service.

The Veteran seeks earlier effective dates for service connection of dyshidrotic eczema, IBS, GERD, and a low back disability. The Board finds the claims were not filed until after the relevant time periods.,The Veteran's initial claim was denied in November 1996, but he did not file another claim for these conditions until years later.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The cases are now remanded for further development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD, was granted. Service connection for IBS as a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317 is also granted.