IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2020

The Board has decided to remand the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran, which suggests that a change in Metformin brand may have worsened his IBS symptoms. The VA will need to obtain additional medical records and provide an updated opinion on whether the worsening of IBS was due to fault or unforeseeable events.

The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of IBS and found that any symptoms were consistent with the Veteran's already service-connected rectal cancer.,Service connection was granted for fatigue, diagnosed as anemia, as secondary to the Veteran’s service-connected rectal cancer.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The reduction in rating from 30% to 0% for IBS was restored.,Evidence did not meet the criteria to reopen a claim of service connection for a right wrist disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as he does not have sufficient hearing loss in either ear to be considered a ratable disability.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and diverticulitis are remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings and the need for an addendum opinion addressing etiology, pathophysiology, and whether the cluster of symptoms constitutes a MUCMI.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for scarring from abdominal surgery secondary to diverticulitis is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the claims for CFS, IBS, and diverticulitis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his service-connected left shoulder strain, obstructive sleep apnea, major depressive disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), migraine headaches, and total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).,The Veteran's left shoulder strain is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for tuberculosis, gastrointestinal disorders (including colonic polyps and chronic constipation), asbestosis, and respiratory disorder due to potential service connection issues.

The Veteran's right and left upper extremity disabilities have been granted increased ratings of 40 percent and 30 percent, respectively, for moderate incomplete paralysis.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for an addendum opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's IBS without considering medication effects.

The Veteran's right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The Veteran was granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as PTSD) and remanded the issues of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, right ankle degenerative joint disease, residuals of right tibia fracture, and residuals of left foot fracture.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate compliance with previous directives and the need for further medical examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed IBS.

The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to a lack of etiological opinions regarding whether the Veteran's hearing loss was caused or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities and/or prescribed medications.

The Veteran's shin splints and digestive issues are not service-connected, while his irritable bowel syndrome is secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. His lumbar spine disability remains at a 40% rating.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left foot fracture residuals is denied. The Veteran is granted TDIU as of November 30, 2015.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings for esophageal stricture and IBS with GERD and duodenal ulcer.

The Veteran is granted an initial disability rating of 50 percent for her service-connected pelvic adhesions, with the condition and IBS symptoms considered together under one diagnostic code. The maximum schedular rating available is assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, IBS, low back disorder, lumbar radiculopathy, left knee strain, and residuals of left ankle fracture, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his failure to appear for scheduled examinations. The claims will be reconsidered based on the evidence in the record.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 100 percent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diverticulosis, effective throughout the appeal period. Additionally, SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s)(1) was also granted.