IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's anal fissure is due to his service-connected gastrointestinal disorder (IBS), and thus grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted as of December 23, 2009. The Board also dismissed all other claims due to the Veteran's withdrawal during his February 2018 hearing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. The evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.

The Veteran's compensation benefits were reduced due to incarceration, resulting in an overpayment. The AOJ must provide a detailed audit of the overpayment and explain its calculation.

The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of hemorrhoids or IBS. The Board finds that service connection for these conditions is not warranted.,Service connection for migraine headaches was denied as the evidence did not establish a link between the condition and active duty.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities was denied as there is no evidence showing that his service-connected conditions necessitate regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current nature, extent, severity and manifestations of her service-connected right knee disability. Additionally, she needs a VA examination to assess the likely etiology of any residuals from her gallbladder surgery in 1981.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS was denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition and the evidence does not support a finding that it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), duodenal ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and status post sigmoid resection are rated at 40 percent effective from November 23, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for all issues, with the exception of her initial compensable evaluation for epicondylitis right elbow. The denial is based on lack of evidence supporting higher ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome has been granted. The Board finds that the Veteran's IBS first manifested during his period of service and continues to this day, meeting the criteria for service connection as a qualifying chronic disability under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of a direct relationship between the claimed conditions and active service, or any other basis for granting service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel disease is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the Board finds that it is not related to service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for tobacco use disorder is denied because smoking is not considered a disability for which service connection can be granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for urethritis and prostatitis are denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis of these conditions.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for drug abuse and alcohol abuse are denied due to the prohibition on compensation for disabilities resulting from willful misconduct or abuse of alcohol/drugs.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations to assess the severity of his irritable bowel syndrome, right ulnar neuropathy, and low back pain.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during active service and are related to a qualifying chronic disability. Other gastrointestinal issues will be addressed in the remand section.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, fibromyalgia, IBS, and PFB are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and provide an adequate examination.

The Veteran's IBS and GERD have been rated at 30 percent since June 5, 2015. His associated fecal incontinence has also been rated at 30 percent. The TDIU issue remains pending as the appeal is not about service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected IBS, PTSD, and lumbar spine disability was denied. The Board found that the Veteran's IBS symptoms were severe but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for fatigue, low back condition, bilateral knee conditions, and chronic headaches are granted as they are due to Gulf War Syndrome.