IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claim for service connection for CFS is remanded due to the need for clarification of whether his fatigue constitutes an undiagnosed illness or a medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for gastrointestinal disorders, including GERD and IBS, are remanded as there has not been substantial compliance with the February 2019 Board remand directives. The VA examiner did not clarify whether his fatigue is a symptom or manifestation of another chronic disability or if it constitutes an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right-hand and left-hand numbness are remanded as the VA examiner did not explain why his hand symptoms were related to exposure during service in Southwest Asia, nor addressed whether they constitute an undiagnosed illness.,The Veteran's increased ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy and right lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy are remanded due to inconsistencies and inadequacies among the VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was dismissed due to his request to withdraw the appeal. The appeals for service connection for GERD, IBS, tinea corporis (skin condition), fibromyalgia, a neurological condition (dizziness), tuberculosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are all remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS and GERD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are consistent with a qualifying chronic disability related to his service in the Persian Gulf War. The effective date is not specified as it was granted presumptively.

The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, and headaches as they are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to an in-service event, injury, or disease.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, including SIBO, IBS, and GERD is granted. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for Reiter's syndrome and TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current digestive disorder other than irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids, to include hematochezia and duodenitis, or gastritis. The preponderance of evidence is against finding these conditions are related to service.

An initial 50 percent rating for service-connected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to July 10, 2012, and from October 25, 2010 to March 1, 2012, and from July 2, 2012 to July 9, 2012, is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate explanation of how the ameliorative effects of Nexium were factored into the evaluation of the Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal condition.

The Board denied service connection for shin splints in both legs due to the lack of evidence linking the condition to service. The Veteran's complaints were not documented during her active duty and no diagnosis was made until after separation.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is remanded as there are conflicting opinions regarding its onset and relation to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach condition, to include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his claimed condition.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating from January 15, 2020. The case is remanded for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU for the period prior to January 15, 2020.

The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as there is no current diagnosis of IBS and the evidence does not support a finding that it began during service or is otherwise related to an in-service injury, event, or disease.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a peripheral nerve tumor (schwannoma) between the lung and ribs, thyroid disorder, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, hypogonadism, atrial fibrillation, osteoporosis, and erectile dysfunction have been granted as due to ionizing radiation exposure during active duty.,The Veteran's service connection claims for secondary conditions of diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, hypogonadism, atrial fibrillation, osteoporosis, and erectile dysfunction are also pending.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including left clavicle disorder and TMJ dysfunction. The remaining issues are related to rhinitis, right gastrocnemius muscle injury, migraine headaches, and an abdominal disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient discussion of the Veteran's reports and whether his symptoms warrant service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as it is not shown to be related to his military service and preexisted his active duty.

The Veteran's IBS with GERD is characterized by alternating diarrhea and constipation with cramping that precedes his bowel movements, representing more or less constant abdominal distress. The Board granted a 30 percent rating for the condition.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, eye disabilities, and gastrointestinal disorders. The Veteran's current conditions were not shown to be related to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand several issues for further development, including service connection claims and a rating increase claim. The Veteran's right knee disability, hypertension, IBS, ED, OSA, and vision loss disability are all being reviewed due to the need for additional medical opinions or examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus his claim for TDIU is denied.