IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his thoracic spine disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination, as well as the need for an addendum opinion addressing functional loss during flare-ups and the relationship between his thoracic spine disability and IBS.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression is rated at 50 percent, but no higher. The Board found the preponderance of evidence supports a 50 percent rating for PTSD with depression.,Service connection for headaches and IBS are remanded as they may be related to service-connected conditions or due to exposure to environmental factors.

The Veteran's GERD and IBS were rated at 30 percent from February 23, 2011 to March 6, 2017. After that date, the rating was increased to 60 percent for GERD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of IBS, diverticulitis, and sleep apnea due to additional evidence being added to the record. The case is also remanded for a VA medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's sleep apnea and his anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since March 22, 2012. The Board found that the symptoms of his PTSD more closely approximate a 70 percent rating and denied an increased rating.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's stomach disorder, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), left elbow disorder, right elbow disorder, left shoulder disorder, and right shoulder disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including IBS, as it was not incurred or aggravated by service-connected disability and is unrelated to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for Bell’s palsy, chronic internal hemorrhoids, and IBS due to insufficient evidence in some cases. The AOJ must obtain VA examinations to determine the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has found that further development of the record is necessary due to inadequate medical opinions regarding service connection for IBS, GERD, and a chronic headache disability. The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional evaluations.

The Veteran's right knee strain, upper digestive disability (GERD and chronic indigestion), and lower digestive disability (IBS and chronic diarrhea) have been granted service connection.,New evidence has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for a right knee disability.

The Veteran's GERD and fecal incontinence are currently rated at 30 percent each, which is the maximum rating available under their respective diagnostic codes. The Board denied increased ratings for these conditions as there was no evidence of symptoms that would warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's request to reopen the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction was denied due to lack of new and relevant evidence. The Board also found that his digestive condition, including diverticulosis, should have been expanded to include IBS in the initial decision. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's joint and muscle pain is not service-connected.,IBS and peptic ulcer disease with acute gastritis are secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service connection for IBS and migraine headaches has been granted. The increased rating for migraine headaches is also granted, but subject to the laws and regulations controlling monetary benefits.,Service connection for IBS was established based on a finding of exposure in Southwest Asia theater of operations.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been submitted to warrant readjudication of the Veteran's claims for service connection. The claims are being remanded due to conflicting medical records regarding the nature of his right leg disability, and the need to establish a direct relationship between herbicide exposure and his IBS, chloracne, prostate cancer, and hypertension.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability other than GERD, including irritable bowel syndrome and pancreatitis. The case is returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board dismissed the appeals as to ratings and effective dates for various conditions, due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has found that the Veteran does not have a bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes. The left shoulder, right wrist, lumbar spine, and right hand disabilities are remanded due to inadequate examination reports. The gastrointestinal disability is also remanded as it may be related to medication prescribed for other service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and a higher initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Veteran will need to undergo additional examinations to determine if his conditions are related to service or service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for IBS and CFS, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet presumptive or direct service connection criteria.,For left sciatic nerve involvement, a rating of 20 percent was granted effective November 2, 2016. For migraines prior to December 4, 2017, and in excess of 30 percent thereafter, the Veteran's claim for increased ratings is denied.