IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2021

The Board has granted service connection for fibromyalgia, but has remanded the issues of service connection for back disability, testicular pain (epididymitis), and diarrhea (irritable bowel syndrome) due to insufficient evidence in the current record.

The Board has found that additional development is needed for the issues of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to obtain any outstanding treatment records and to request new VA opinions.

The Veteran's Reiter's syndrome, including its associated conditions such as iritis, prostatitis, degenerative joint disease of the feet and hands, and IBS, is rated at 100% for the initial rating period from January 1, 2009 to September 27, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of fractured ribs was denied as there is no evidence of removal or resection of ribs without regeneration.,A 10 percent disability rating for the service-connected fracture of the right fifth finger was granted due to pain and functional loss, but not amputation or equivalent thereof.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for the service-connected right thoracic muscle group XXI injury was denied as there is no evidence of moderate or severe impairment.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for unspecified skin condition, right and left ankle disabilities, lower back pain, right shoulder injury, and left shoulder injury due to insufficient development.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions regarding the Veteran's GERD and IBS disabilities are inadequate due to failure to consider the Veteran's self-medication during service. The case is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right knee disability, digestive system disability, and TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues. Additional medical opinions are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, PFB, left knee disability, right knee disability, sleep apnea, IBS, acid reflux disability, hemorrhoids, low back disability, left hip disability, right hip disability, pes planus, left foot disability, right foot disability, left ankle disability, and right ankle disability. The issues of service connection for these conditions are REMANDED.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for a TDIU and service connection for gastrointestinal disorders, including Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome. The AOJ must ensure due process is followed by providing the Veteran with proper forms to complete and submit regarding his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for pancolitis and IBS is denied, as the current 30% rating adequately reflects his symptoms. The case is remanded due to issues related to fecal incontinence caused by hemorrhoids.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's IBS and respiratory symptoms are related to service, including exposure to burn pits. The claims will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of irritable bowel syndrome was denied. The Board also remanded the issues regarding whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen previously denied claims for a right hip disability, left shoulder disability, Arnold-Chiari malformation with syringomyelia, and a left arm condition.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome has been granted an increased initial rating of 30 percent.,Service connection for undiagnosed illness manifested by chronic dermatitis, sleep disorder, heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat, headaches, and acquired psychiatric disorder have all been granted due to service in the Persian Gulf.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis and fibromyalgia appeals were withdrawn.,A tumor of the right pelvic bone, blurred vision, neuropathy (including as secondary to a tumor of the right pelvic bone), and vertigo issues are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal of the issues related to prostate cancer, coronary artery disease, skin disability, hypertension, gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, and depressive disorder has been remanded for further development.,An effective date prior to October 6, 2014 for the grant of service connection for tinnitus is also being remanded.

The Veteran's IBS was incurred during service and has continued since then, warranting the grant of service connection.

The Board granted service connection for undiagnosed sleep disturbances and an initial rating of 30 percent for IBS prior to August 29, 2019. The Veteran's IBS remains at a maximum schedular rating from that date forward. The Veteran's chronic interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder are rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, as he is currently employed by the United States Federal Government.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's chronic constipation and its relationship to his service-connected groin pain.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or caused by service.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including his right shoulder injury and irritable bowel syndrome. The claims are being returned for additional development of medical records and examinations.