IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were denied. The effective dates for these conditions remain unchanged.

The Board has granted new and material evidence for service connection claims related to stomach problems, IBS, and a gastrointestinal disorder. However, the claims for throat disability and low back disability remain denied due to lack of chronicity or etiology. The psychiatric claim remains pending as there is no established diagnosis of PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,New and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claims of service connection for various conditions, including dysmenorrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, bilateral ankle disability, carpal tunnel syndrome, left knee strain, right knee strain, restless legs syndrome, HPV, infertility, gallbladder surgery, tremors and spasms to face and hands, itching, pain, and scars, and VA medical treatment.

The Board has remanded four issues: hypertension, gastrointestinal disorder (including irritable bowel syndrome), bipolar disorder, and a disability rating for residuals of a fracture and dislocation of the right middle finger. Additional development is required to obtain information about the qualifications of the examiners who conducted the November 2012 and July 2019 VA examinations.

The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for various conditions due to the absence of an adequate substantive appeal. The issue of service connection for headaches, related to Gulf War Illness, is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete records and issues related to effective dates and initial ratings.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus and gastrointestinal disorder (IBS) has been granted. The Veteran's claim for bilateral hearing loss was denied, and the case is remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and remanded other issues due to lack of VA examination records.

The Board denied service connection for right ankle pain, IBS, and left knee arthritis. The Veteran's CAD was granted a 10 percent rating but the claim is still pending as it remains on appeal.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection of a gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as IBS) because it has been granted and rendered moot. The claims for increased ratings for left knee tendonitis, right knee tendonitis, and thoracolumbar strain are denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disability, left shoulder disability, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70% for the entire period on appeal, and a TDIU is granted based on her service-connected disabilities. The Veteran does not meet criteria for a total disability rating.