IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2019

The Veteran's petitions to reopen claims for lumbar spine disorder, right hip disorder, bilateral orchitis with testosterone deficiency, left hip disorder, and IBS have been dismissed.,Claims for neck disorder, left knee disorder, and right ankle disorder were reopened due to new evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IBS is aggravated by his service-connected PTSD, and therefore grants service connection for IBS as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for TBI residuals was dismissed. The appeals for service connection for headaches, multiple lipomas, IBS, and a skin condition were all granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, including irritable bowel syndrome and gastritis. The examiner did not provide an adequate opinion on whether these conditions are related to service or any other factors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate opinions in his VA examinations regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS has not manifested to moderate symptoms of frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal stress or severe symptoms that include diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal stress. Therefore, the criteria for an initial compensable rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have not been met.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is granted service connection based on presumptive service connection due to his Persian Gulf War service.,The Veteran's ulcer disability is denied as not related to his period of service.,The Veteran's low back disability is denied as not related to his period of service.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of a cold weather injury due to the lack of evidence supporting the Veteran's claim.,The Board has remanded multiple issues including service connection for various disabilities and an increased rating for cephalgia.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for TBI and light sensitivity secondary to TBI is denied. The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective March 5, 2015.,Service connection for PTSD remains denied as the evidence does not show occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas due to PTSD.

The Veteran's combined rating for hepatitis, IBS, GERD, and hiatal hernia was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied service connection for a left hip disorder due to the lack of evidence of current disability.,The Veteran's sleep apnea is remanded as there are insufficient reasons provided by the VA examiner regarding its onset in or relation to his active duty service.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for fecal incontinence as secondary to service-connected IBS. The issue of whether the Veteran's IBS warrants a higher than 10 percent rating is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for thoracic strain, IBS, and narcolepsy are remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess their current severity.

The Board has denied reopening of previously denied claims for service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee and foot disorders, heart disorder, eye injury residuals, Meniere’s Syndrome, degenerative arthritis of the upper extremities, left shoulder injury, right wrist disorder, fractured ribs, ear disorder (excluding hearing loss), tinnitus, erectile dysfunction, bleeding disorder, and diabetes mellitus. The Board also remanded for further action on a claim for service connection for a left wrist disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including those related to undiagnosed illnesses from Southwest Asia service, have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of qualifying chronic disability due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's stomach condition, specifically diverticulosis and IBS.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including IBS, ischemic colitis, impotency, and Parkinson's disease, as secondary to herbicide agents. The appeals are being returned due to outstanding VA treatment records and potential verification of in-service herbicide agent exposure.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for chronic irritable bowel syndrome and eczema as the Veteran withdrew her appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's pituitary microadenoma, hypertension, and IBS with GERD and hiatal hernia are all granted. The Veteran receives a 30% rating for his IBS with GERD and hiatal hernia.