IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2019

The Board has decided that the Veteran's stomach condition, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), should be remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of new medical evidence. The AOJ will also review his service-connected IBS and other disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for lower back disorder, IBS, and GERD due to new evidence indicating current disorders not previously addressed.

The Veteran's headaches and hypertension are not service-connected as they did not manifest during active duty, nor are they linked to his Gulf War service or PTSD.,His lower back disability is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing it was present in service or within the presumptive period for undiagnosed illnesses. The Veteran's current IBS is also not service-connected as there is no link between his active duty and this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for reentrance into the VA vocational rehabilitation and employment program, finding that his service-connected disabilities have not worsened to the extent that he is precluded from performing work duties or that the occupation previously found rehabilitated is unsuitable.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claims can be fully adjudicated. The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran's IBS is currently rated at 30 percent prior to July 24, 2014 and denied for a higher rating thereafter. Service connection for asthma and sleeplessness/fatigue are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been remanded due to procedural errors in obtaining necessary medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and outstanding VA treatment records. The Veteran is also being asked to provide information about his medical history and any relevant private treatment providers.

The Veteran's claim for a back disorder is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury, event, or disease.,The Veteran's claim for patchy hypopigmentation is denied as the condition did not begin during service and is not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Board has determined that the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities contributed to his death, and thus granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia due to Gulf War exposure has been reopened, and the Board finds that new evidence supports reopening of these claims. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for TMJ and IBS, as well as service connection for tinnitus and OSA are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's IBS was granted service connection due to Gulf War service, with a rating of 10%.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for joint pain, low back pain, and ulcerative colitis (claimed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and infection of lower tract), to include as secondary to PTSD. The claims are being remanded for further action.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to unclear etiology and need for additional examination. The issues include migraine headaches, basal cell carcinoma, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a skin condition, bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, and 5th metatarsal fracture was denied. The Veteran's GERD is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and the reopening of a tinnitus claim. The tobacco use disorder claim is denied as there is no evidence it is related to active service other than in-service cigarette smoking.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, and irritable bowel syndrome due to potential new evidence. The Veteran's PTSD is alleged to be a contributing factor.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and remanded the cases of neutropenia, an autoimmune disease, and ocular inflammation due to incomplete development.