IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including lumbar spine disorder, bilateral ankle disorders, IBS, left hip replacement, right hip disorder (including degenerative arthritis), and knee disorders. The claims were not reopened.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating in excess of 30 percent for IBS on an extraschedular basis is denied. A separate initial evaluation of 10 percent, but no higher, for fecal leakage associated with service-connected IBS is granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS and GERD, finding no link between these conditions and his active duty service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for PVD, ED, and IBS as secondary to PTSD need further examination and analysis. The case is being remanded to allow for additional medical opinions.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability and residuals of cracked ribs and left chest contusions, but remanded the claim for posttraumatic stress disorder.,Service connection was not granted for any condition due to lack of evidence linking current conditions to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus and IBS have been granted service connection as they are related to his military service. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome, exceed the threshold for 'good health' as defined by VA standards. Therefore, his application for S-DVI is denied.

The Veteran was granted service connection for tinnitus, effective March 12, 2015.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and a respiratory disability were denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations for cervical and lumbosacral strains are inadequate, and additional examinations are needed. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded due to outstanding records and potential consideration of other applicable Codes.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for IBS and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left ankle sprain due to inadequate medical opinions and failed attempts to schedule VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and gastrointestinal disability (including gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastroenteritis) are remanded due to the need for VA examinations and opinions under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome is remanded due to the need for VA examination and opinion under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches are remanded due to the need for VA examination and opinion under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for varicocele is remanded due to the need for VA examination and opinion under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for testicular cyst is remanded due to the need for VA examination and opinion under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Board denied service connection for IBS and GERD, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted, rendering the appeal moot.,The Veteran withdrew his appeals on multiple other issues.

The Veteran's syncope and vasovagal reaction are not service-connected.,IBS and diverticulitis do not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,Bilateral ingrown toenails, multiple nevi on back, and eczema do not warrant higher evaluations.,Left shoulder strain does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.,Obstructive sleep apnea requires use of a CPAP machine but does not warrant a higher rating.,Migraines are evaluated based on very frequent completely prostrating and prolonged attacks productive of severe economic inadaptability, meeting the criteria for a 50% evaluation.,Major depressive disorder with insomnia meets the criteria for a 70% evaluation.

The Veteran's IBS is granted as service connected. The Board remanded the issues of service connection for sinusitis and an upper respiratory disorder (including bronchitis).

The Board has denied service connection for hypothyroidism and remanded the issue of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome due to lack of in-service records and insufficient evidence linking current conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for prostate cancer and metastatic disease of the T-9 vertebral body, as well as the small shrapnel wound claim due to potential service connection issues related to exposure in Vietnam. The Veteran's service records need to be verified regarding his time off the coast of Vietnam, and a VA medical opinion is needed on whether his prostate cancer may have been caused by asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment, and the TDIU claim is granted. The left elbow disability issue remains pending due to a lack of VA examination.

Service connection for IBS and chronic headache disorder has been granted. Service connection for left and right ankle disorders is denied.,A 40% rating for lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (DJD) has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and GERD have been denied as both conditions are not related to his military service.,No objective indications of a qualifying chronic disability were found, and the evidence does not support a finding that either condition was incurred or aggravated by service.