IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2019

The Veteran's sleep apnea and insomnia, as well as cervical strain, are granted service connection. The issues of gastrointestinal disability other than IBS and hemorrhoids (to include stomach disability, GERD, hernia, and residuals of colon cancer), headache disability, and left shoulder disability are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, right toe fracture and sesamoiditis, and irritable bowel syndrome have been granted. The issue of entitlement to total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for consideration of an extraschedular rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) due to the need for a VA examination and review by the Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board found that this rating adequately reflects her symptoms and does not warrant an increased rating.

Your gastrointestinal disorder, excluding GERD, Barrett's Esophagus, and chronic gastritis, has been fully granted. The appeal is dismissed as all issues have been resolved.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the initial compensable rating for right eye corneal abrasion, leaving no issues on appeal.

The Veteran's right shoulder strain is characterized by painful motion and limited motion to 90 degrees beyond the side level, resulting in a denial of an increased rating above 20 percent.,The Veteran's IBS with GERD is characterized as moderate pyrosis and regurgitation, leading to a grant of a non-compensable rating which was later upgraded to 10 percent effective February 6, 2012. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating in excess of 10 percent remains pending.,The Veteran's cervical strain is characterized by complaints of neck pain and limited rotation during service, with no current evidence of limitation or dysfunction. Service connection for this condition is also pending.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is denied as not related to service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.,The Veteran's pancreatitis is denied as not related to service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The examiner noted that the condition was more likely due to alcohol abuse and hypertriglyceridemia.,The Veteran's gastroenteritis/gastritis is denied as not related to service, including exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at 70 percent, and he is granted a TDIU beginning August 28, 2014. The appeal period is considered as the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss disability is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's left shoulder sprain is rated at 20 percent and the appeal is remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted based on additional evidence or considerations.,The Veteran's claims for acquired psychiatric disability, respiratory disability, and IBS are remanded as no VA examinations have been conducted yet. The examiner should assess whether these conditions are related to service.,The Veteran's claim for a respiratory disability due to service in Southwest Asia is remanded as no VA examination has been conducted yet. The examiner should assess whether this condition is related to service.,The Veteran's claim for IBS due to service in Southwest Asia is remanded as no VA examination has been conducted yet. The examiner should assess whether this condition is related to service.

The Veteran's additional disabilities, including GERD and IBS, were caused by an error in the June 18, 2009 colonoscopy performed at a non-Department medical facility by a private physician under VA contract. However, as no disability was actually caused by treatment furnished by VA, compensation is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Veteran was granted a 100 percent rating from December 6, 2017 for PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is able to feed himself and perform most self-care tasks with assistance.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic orchitis and IBS with gastritis, but the issues of service connection for a psychiatric disorder and an autoimmune disease (Sjogren's syndrome) are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete records and need for additional examinations. The Veteran's service connection claims are not granted as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Veteran's appeals for initial compensable ratings and service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has also remanded several issues related to lumbar spine disorders, including radiculopathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's application to reopen claims for seizure disorder, cluster headaches (migraines), and headaches was granted. The claim for IBS remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including GERD and IBS, is related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's application for a grant of specially adapted housing or special home adaptation was denied as he does not meet the criteria under VA regulations, specifically due to his service-connected sarcoidosis not being caused by an inhalation injury.