IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2018

Service connection for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted, and a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD from June 21, 2013 to February 19, 2015 is also granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of proper effective date documentation. The decision regarding increased rating for PTSD is also remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for infertility is dismissed. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to a 30 percent rating for her service-connected pelvic adhesions, but further development is needed to determine if she is eligible for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of a gastrointestinal disability related to his service, and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran's PTSD with adjustment disorder and depression is rated at 70 percent.,The Veteran is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.,Further examination is needed to determine the current severity of cataracts and PTSD with adjustment disorder and depression, as well as the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was reopened and granted. His IBS is rated at 30 percent, but the issue of hemorrhoids remains unresolved.

A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted effective November 18, 2008. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude her from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's total combined rating is 40 percent from March 28, 2011 to April 3, 2014. The Board found that the Veteran was not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities and denied entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's IBS is considered to have started during her military service and has been granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied, with the exception of IBS which was granted. The hearing loss claim was also denied.

The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5276. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating as her symptoms do not include marked deformity or inward bowing of the tendon Achilles.,The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reflux and helicobacter pylori are currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Codes 7319 and 7346. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating as her symptoms do not include persistent recurrent epigastric distress with dysphagia, pyrosis, and regurgitation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, as well as his claim for a TDIU. The Veteran is required to provide updated medical records and complete VA forms. He also needs to undergo examinations for his ankle disorders, foot conditions, and mental health issues.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a retinal tear of the right eye is denied as there is no current disability and no evidence of an in-service injury or disease.,Service connection for hearing loss of the left ear is granted due to credible reports of noise exposure during active duty and currently diagnosed hearing loss.

An increased rating of 100 percent for PTSD is granted.,The appeal to reopen claims for service connection for fibromyalgia and CFS due to Gulf War service and exposures therein is granted, but the appeals are remanded for further examination and review.,Service connection for sleep apnea secondary to PTSD is also remanded.,The TDIU claim is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident, including cervical fracture, right ankle fracture, fractured ribs, and facial fractures. The decision is pending further investigation into the Veteran's duty status prior to April 28, 2001.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease has been denied. The Board also remanded several other claims related to service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for a back condition was dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea and gastrointestinal disorder (IBS).

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the service connection claims related to lumbar spine condition, neck condition, left and right ankle conditions, arthritis and gout of the bilateral feet, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (chronic depression).

The Veteran's claim for payment of unauthorized medical expenses is denied because he did not meet the requirement that he had received VA medical services within 24 months prior to his private emergency room treatment.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and IBS. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of the evidence.