IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The Veteran's conditions include psychiatric disorders, cervical spine disability, fibromyalgia, right arm disorder, tinnitus, and IBS.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been rated at the maximum allowable under VA guidelines. The issues of PTSD, sleep apnea, knee disabilities, and shoulder conditions are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted a 100 percent rating effective June 6, 2006. The appeal for IBS service connection was withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome has been denied.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome has also been denied.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for hyperthyroidism and bilateral hearing loss have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for residuals of laceration to the head, including cervical spine disability, vertigo, jaw disability and scarring; hypertension; right knee disability; erectile dysfunction (ED); and sleep disorder, including sleep apnea are being remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to insufficient evidence of current severity.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and evidence collection. The Board will consider each condition individually, including tinnitus, sulfa drug allergy, low back disorder, vertigo, narcolepsy, headache disorder (secondary to TBI), acquired psychiatric disorder (secondary to TBI), and IBS.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for service connection for IBS before a decision was made by the Board.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and opinion regarding service connection for various conditions, including kidney disorder, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to outstanding private treatment records and additional medical opinions are needed.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of bilateral restless leg syndrome is denied. The appeal for a compensable evaluation for bilateral restless leg syndrome is also denied. The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back condition and gastro ailments (previously claimed as chronic stomach disorder) have been granted. However, the Board found that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's diagnosed stomach disorders, including IBS, GERD, and PUD, are related to his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran's IBS was granted service connection effective January 13, 2009. An increased rating to 30% for the entire appeal period is also granted.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, a left knee disability, bilateral otitis media, a disability manifested by Eustachian tube dysfunction, and residuals of dengue fever has been denied.,The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not support finding etiological links between these disabilities and active service.

The Veteran's right ankle and heel pain are attributed to a pre-existing condition, plantar fasciitis. Service connection for this condition is denied.,There is no evidence of left ear hearing loss during service or at any time since service. Service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for IBS due to Gulf War service is granted based on the Veteran's history and symptoms, which are presumed to be related to his period of service in Southwest Asia.,VA examination is required to determine if the Veteran has current bilateral plantar fasciitis. Service connection will depend on whether this condition can be linked to service or a pre-existing condition.,VA examination is required to assess the nature and etiology of any back disorder, including determining if it is related to service or a pre-existing condition.,VA examination is required to determine the presence and etiology of bilateral knee disorders. Service connection will depend on whether these conditions are linked to service or a pre-existing condition.,VA examination is required to assess the nature and etiology of any acquired psychiatric disorder, including determining if it is related to service or a pre-existing condition.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss is denied as there is no evidence of current hearing loss during service or at any time since service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left shoulder impingement syndrome, left knee pain, right knee pain, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and memory loss, have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to active service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for left ankle disability and IBS were denied. The Board found that the current 10% and 30% ratings adequately reflect the severity of the disabilities based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine headaches, and hidradenitis suppurativa have been remanded due to the need for clarification regarding the type of treatment received.