IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, coronary artery disease, back condition, and irritable bowel syndrome due to inadequate medical opinions regarding aggravation or causation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bowel disease claimed as IBS and diabetes mellitus type II have been granted. The Board has also remanded the cases to obtain additional development regarding exposure to ionizing radiation and to provide medical opinions on the etiology of the conditions.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than June 10, 2015, for the grant of service connection for status post fractured ribs and right wrist tendonitis is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to address his claims of increased ratings and effective dates.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for right shoulder disability, acquired mental health disorder (PTSD), other specified trauma and stressor related disorder (stressor disorder), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and tinnitus. The issues of entitlement to service connection for these conditions have been remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to the need for further development, including VA examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right heel pain, left heel pain, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).,The Veteran's headaches are remanded for further examination to determine if they are related to his service-connected PTSD and TBI.

The Veteran's IBS has been severe and caused alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress, warranting a 30 percent evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a VA opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities can be classified as residuals of organic disease or injury, which could affect his eligibility for SAH.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current gastrointestinal disability or IBS, and his symptoms did not manifest during service or until years after separation. The claim is denied as there is no direct evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses due to lack of emergency treatment and non-feasibility of VA facilities, despite his assertions.

Your claims for service connection for cervical spine fracture and fractured ribs have been granted by the RO, so these issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability including IBS, to include as due to exposure to environmental hazards while serving in the Gulf War is remanded. The Board will obtain complete VA treatment records and provide an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's IBS is rated at a maximum of 30 percent prior to August 5, 2018. A rating in excess of 30 percent for her IBS and functional dyspepsia with history of GERD is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development and readjudication due to inconsistencies in the evidence and need for clarification of certain issues.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal, respiratory, psychiatric, hearing loss and tinnitus, lumbar spine, shoulder, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, PTSD, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, reproductive disorder, headache disorder, back disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, sciatica/radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and sciatica/radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are all remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted the Veteran's TDIU claim since November 16, 2017, finding that his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation during this period. The decision is pending for prior to November 16, 2017.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder. Service connection was also granted for IBS and GERD as qualifying chronic disabilities due to the Veteran's service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date of August 20, 2016, but not earlier, for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims for service connection for cervical and back disabilities are denied.