IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary atherosclerosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to an increased rating for PTSD, with the effective date being July 24, 2019.

The Veteran's IBS was rated at the maximum schedular level since October 19, 2015. Prior to that date, his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and cervical spine disability due to incomplete records. The Veteran's service treatment records from various ships and training centers are needed.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for retinitis pigmentosa and irritable bowel syndrome as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran will need to provide medical records, undergo examinations, and possibly submit additional opinions.

The Veteran's claim for a 30 percent rating for IBS was restored, and his claim for service connection for migraine headaches was reopened. Service connection for migraine headaches is granted, but the claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (short-term memory loss) is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for IBS has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to May 27, 2017 for the grant of service connection for IBS has also been denied.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for referral to the Director of Compensation and Pension for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, hiatal hernia, and GERD were granted with effective dates of December 15, 2014, May 13, 2015, and April 22, 2018 respectively. The claim for chronic fatigue syndrome was also granted but the effective date is set to the date it was received (May 13, 2015).

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for memory loss, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and blisters on skin during a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection and remanded the issue of a higher disability rating for his right buttock strain.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and a higher initial disability rating for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions, and thus could not grant service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disabilities (GERD, IBS, and status-post cholecystectomy) have not been adequately evaluated due to outdated medical records. The Board has ordered a new examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for ischemic heart disease to include as due to exposure to certain herbicide is granted.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for scars of the chest and left arm as secondary to treatment for ischemic heart disease is granted.,New and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a previously denied claim for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) previously claimed as gas in the abdomen, and this claim is now reopened.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for removal of left testicle is remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for right hand carpal tunnel disability. The claims of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and bladder disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence received from his reserve service. The conditions include a right hand disorder, chronic upper respiratory disorders, TMJ disorder, intestinal disorder, and bilateral knee disorder.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to a single service-connected disability, finding that her combined impact of multiple service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder with anxious distress features is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of claim. Service connection for fibromyalgia, CFS, hypertension, IBS, and a headache disorder are granted. The Veteran also receives a TDIU rating.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, back disability, bilateral hip condition, bilateral knee condition, bilateral ankle disability, and bilateral foot disability due to lack of in-service injury or disease. The dental claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's use of Menthol/M Salicylate topical cream for arthritis pain is not eligible for a clothing allowance as it was not prescribed for a skin condition due to any service-connected disability.,The Veteran’s back brace, which she uses for her service-connected DDD of the low back, does not qualify for a clothing allowance because it is made of soft material and does not cause wear or tear on clothing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, IBS, and GERD is denied. The claims for chronic residuals of medical or surgical complications of pregnancy (episiotomy) are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service connection due to a current disability that began during active service.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), and an acquired psychiatric disorder are denied. The Veteran will need further VA examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.