IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2018

The Veteran's fibromyalgia has been granted service connection. The issues of irritable bowel syndrome and respiratory symptoms are still pending and will be remanded for further evaluation.,The Board affirms the grant of service connection for fibromyalgia, but the claims for IBS and respiratory symptoms remain under review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for breathing problems, a spot on the lung, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, and acid reflux. The issues are inextricably intertwined with his claim for TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left eye condition, IBS, and a skin condition. The decision found no current diagnosis of these conditions and that they are not related to service.

The Board has denied requests for earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for IBS, seborrheic dermatitis / tinea versicolor, and tension headaches. The earliest claims were received on July 15, 2013.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, chronic fatigue (claimed as tension headaches), and gastroesophageal reflux disease have been granted service connection. The Board found the evidence in relative equipoise for each condition.,Service connection was established for irritable bowel syndrome based on symptoms dating back to active duty. Service connection for hypertension and chronic fatigue were also granted, with the examiner attributing the headaches to Gulf War exposure.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and a higher rating for depression with PTSD have been dismissed due to the Veteran's attorney requesting withdrawal of these appeals.

The Board denied an extraschedular rating for service-connected irritable bowel syndrome with GERD, finding that the symptoms are already contemplated by the existing rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder and his service. The claim will be reviewed on a de novo basis with consideration of new treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including joint stiffness, hand injuries, back pain, knee and leg issues, hearing loss, tinnitus, IBS, and sleep disturbance. The RO must make efforts to obtain VA examinations despite the Veteran's incarceration.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for sleep apnea. The claims of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for allergic rhinitis and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for irritable bowel syndrome are remanded.

The Board denied service connection and effective dates for various conditions, including IBS, chronic fatigue syndrome, Epstein Barr virus, lymphadenopathy and leukopenia, sinusitis, left hand disorder, right hand disorder, erectile dysfunction, and left acromioclavicular disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome as due to undiagnosed illness and denied service connection for fibromyalgia. The claim for chronic fatigue syndrome is remanded.

The Board has granted a temporary total disability rating for convalescence following the Veteran's hernia repair surgery in February 2010, finding that it was related to his service-connected IBS and required at least one month of recovery.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused her to resign from her job as a budget analyst on February 2, 2014. The Board granted TDIU beginning February 3, 2014.

The Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and dermatitis of the anal and buttocks area are service-connected. The Veteran's duodenitis is not service-connected, but his dyspnea on exertion as an undiagnosed illness is also not service-connected. Headaches are not service-connected.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is granted as due to undiagnosed illness during service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.

The claims for service connection, compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, and TDIU are all remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and evidence.

The Veteran's IBS is rated at 40 percent since February 4, 2009 and a separate 10 percent rating for impairment of sphincter control has been granted. The Veteran's IBS symptoms have worsened over time, leading to the current ratings.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is granted service connection. The Veteran's right knee scar is granted a disability rating of 20 percent, but no higher, from December 9, 2015. Other issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to uncertainty regarding whether the Veteran currently has Irritable Bowel Syndrome and if it is related to his military service. The issue of depression secondary to service-connected degenerative spinal arthritis was referred back to the AOJ as a separate matter.