IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2018

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of 70% for PTSD, and in excess of 20% for both left knee and right knee disabilities. The Veteran's IBS is granted a compensable rating (10%) since January 1, 2012. A TDIU has been granted effective from January 1, 2012.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his right shoulder, left shoulder, lumbar spine, IBS, bilateral ankles, and left knee disabilities have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's left foot hallux valgus and foot strain are of service origin, while sleep apnea is not. The Board denied the remaining claims.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent since January 1, 2014, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The Board has granted service connection for prostate cancer due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in the Korean DMZ. The issues of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and bladder cancer are remanded as new examinations are needed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and the retrieval of outstanding medical records.

The Veteran was granted a Total Disability Rating for his acquired psychiatric disability from May 1, 1999 to July 11, 2012. From July 11, 2012 onwards, the Veteran's claim for a TDIU based on IBS alone is denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the timely filing of a VA Form 9 for an increased evaluation of IBS.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires assistance with his activities of daily living due to his service-connected disabilities, and therefore grants special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is being remanded to determine if it is distinct from his service-connected GERD.,Left and right sciatica conditions are also being remanded for clarification.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability with dizziness was denied in August 2012, and the Board found no new and material evidence to reopen this claim. The Veteran's claim for bilateral knee and lower leg disabilities secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative joint disease was also denied in February 2010, but reopened due to new and material evidence received since then.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for balance problems (also claimed as dizziness) has been granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ulcers, PAD, IBS, and a skin condition is denied.,Service connection was not granted for any of the conditions due to lack of evidence showing their onset during service or a link to service.

The Board has granted service connection for a lower back disability, bilateral hip disability, and stomach disability (chronic diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome) due to the Veteran's obesity caused by his service-connected disabilities. The rating for the stomach disability remains at 30%.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for a higher rating for IBS, so the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's IBS is not manifested by frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress, and therefore does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7319.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder and service connection for heartburn. The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for further medical examination.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, and an undiagnosed Gulf War illness due to lack of a current diagnosis in the record.,Service connection was not granted as there is no evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board denied the Veteran's requests to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, Hypertension, and Hemorrhoids. The evidence submitted was not considered new and material.

The Board has granted service connection for a right ankle disability and reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability. The Veteran's right ankle disability is found to be related to his active duty service. Service connection for joint pain, intestinal disability, skin disability, and sleep apnea are also granted.

The Board denied service connection for left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, cervical spine disability, muscle weakness and twitching, vitamin D deficiency, and irritable bowel syndrome. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) is remanded.