IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, sinus disability, IBS, acid reflux, headache disability, and sciatica as they were not shown to be related to service.,Service connection was also denied for a right arm disability.

The Veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome and tension headaches are being remanded for further evaluation due to changes in symptoms since the last examination.

The Board has granted service connection for pseudo folliculitis barbae (PFB), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Service connection was denied for a back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine disability, back disability, chronic sinusitis, chronic allergies, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Board has reopened the previously denied service connection claims for multi-joint and muscle pain, chronic skin disorder, and IBS. The IBS claim is granted on the merits. The remaining claims are remanded due to new evidence received since the final decisions.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, as the August 2017 VA opinion was found to be insufficient.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded as the VA examiner did not provide an independent assessment of his functional impairments due to service-connected disabilities, including IBS, tinnitus, and left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's TDIU was granted with an effective date of June 11, 2011 or the date following his last day of employment. The Board found that he could not secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been dismissed. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome have been granted. The cervical spine, recurrent migraine headaches, left hip, right hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities are remanded due to the need for further examination and opinion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS, including as due to service-connected GERD, finding that there was no current diagnosis of IBS and any symptoms were related to the service-connected GERD or medication.

The Board has denied service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, left eye conjunctivitis, and IBS. The Veteran's claims are remanded for a VA examination to determine if his bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there is no evidence to support a link between these conditions and her military service.

The Board dismissed all appeals regarding service connection for various conditions due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal in May 2019. Service connection was granted for tinnitus.

The Veteran's IBS and fecal incontinence disabilities are granted as service connected, with the presumption of service connection for IBS due to Gulf War service. The fecal incontinence is also granted as service-connected based on direct evidence.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an effective date prior to April 21, 2015 for a 30 percent disability rating for service-connected IBS.

The Veteran's right knee condition is granted a separate 10 percent rating for symptomatic removal of the meniscal cartilage. A 10 percent rating is also granted for left ankle strain, and a 30 percent rating is granted for irritable bowel syndrome. The appeal regarding ratings for left elbow lateral epicondylitis, right elbow lateral epicondylitis, and right knee limitation of motion from August 24, 2016 forward is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal seeking earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, right lower extremity radiculopathy, erectile dysfunction, and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal seeking an initial compensable rating for erectile dysfunction has been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeal seeking an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome with pancreatitis has been dismissed.,The Veteran’s appeal seeking service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy is remanded.,The Veteran’s appeals seeking increased ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy and a back disability are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA and/or private treatment records, and providing an addendum medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's IBS is related to his service or aggravated by his PTSD.

The Veteran's IBS was denied as not related to service or service-connected conditions. The Board found no evidence linking his current IBS to his Vietnam service, including exposure to herbicide agents and consuming contaminated food and water.