IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2019

The Veteran is found to be unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment due solely to his service-connected disabilities, with the benefit of doubt resolved in his favor.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for residuals of caesarian section was granted, with the maximum rating (30%) being assigned prior to August 1, 2014. The rating was denied for periods before February 1, 2017 and after that date.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for clothing allowances for a brace used for his service-connected back disability and topical medication used for his service-connected eczema in 2018, as there was no evidence that these items caused significant damage to his clothes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sacroiliitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), traumatic brain injury residuals, left wrist disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, narcolepsy, and fibromyalgia have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service incurrence of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further proceedings due to a failure to determine which of the Veteran's conditions, IBS or GERD, is the predominant disability and how it relates to the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's respiratory condition (including pneumonia) is remanded for further development.,The Veteran's memory and comprehension difficulties, mental health issues, nightmares, vivid dreams, irritability, anger, anxiety, mood swings, low coping abilities, depression, conflicts, hypervigilance, time lapses, compulsive/impulsive habits, gastrointestinal symptoms, joint aches, muscle fatigue, gum condition, genital warts, and an ear, nose, and throat condition (including as due to an undiagnosed illness related to Gulf War service) are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's entitlement to TDIU is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus but has remanded the cases of PTSD, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is granted service connection, but his ulcerative colitis is denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable ratings for right shoulder arthritis, left elbow strain, and IBS have been granted. The issue of a rating greater than 50 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder has been remanded.

The Board denied service connection for hiatal hernia, GERD, and IBS as secondary to PTSD due to lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including CFS, low back condition, left and right knee conditions, balance problems, cognitive problems, neuropathic or neurological condition, insomnia, and irritable bowel syndrome, has been granted. The appeal is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and IBS. The decision is based on a lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for an upper back disability and granted a 30 percent initial rating for her irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder, depression, and PTSD. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosis of IBS or any psychiatric condition.

The Veteran's enuresis claim is denied as there is no current diagnosis of the condition during or approximate to the appeal period.,The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability (gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome) claim is denied as there is no evidence that the condition began in service or is otherwise related to service.,The Veteran's temporomandibular disorder and bruxism claim is denied as there is no indication of a current diagnosis of exostosis of the jaw, which is not considered a gastrointestinal disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of head trauma, eczema, rhinitis, sinusitis, postoperative colon cancer (residuals other than scars), irritable bowel syndrome, and anal fissures are all denied.,Service connection is not granted for PFB.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a right shoulder disability and IBS, both secondary to type II diabetes mellitus, have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has dismissed the appeals on the issues of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss and earlier effective dates for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss. The claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability, TIA/stroke, visual impairment, irritable bowel syndrome, and sleep apnea are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and remanded the issue of a higher initial rating for posttraumatic stress disorder.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of January 19, 2011 for the grant of service connection for loss of sphincter control and a rating of 30 percent for IBS as of January 19, 2011.