IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by him and a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining SSA records. The VA hearing loss claim is also remanded as there was no VA examination provided.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for GERD status post esophageal diverticulotomy and Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication and IBS with lactase deficiency syndrome.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by him and a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining SSA records. The VA hearing loss claim is also remanded as there was no VA examination provided.

Service connection is granted for fibromyalgia with fatigue and headaches (minor/dull).,Service connection is denied for a separate disability manifesting as fatigue.

The Veteran's PTSD and right knee disability have been granted a 100 percent rating, and he is receiving SMC based on housebound status for the entire appeal period. The TDIU claim has been mooted as his PTSD alone meets the criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD to include alcohol use disorder in remission and anxiety is rated at 70 percent, effective January 16, 2018.,The Veteran's fibromyalgia with diffuse chronic musculoskeletal pain, insertional pain syndrome is rated at 40 percent, effective April 20, 2016.,The Veteran's IBS associated with PTSD is not entitled to a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The main issues are related to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, and various other conditions such as right shoulder degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine strain, hip strains, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), positional vertigo, coccydynia, knee patellar tendonitis, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are being considered for their impact on these issues.

The Veteran's thoracic outlet syndrome, with left upper extremity nerve involvement has been granted an increased evaluation of 40 percent since September 5, 2017. The effective date for this increase is based on the date of his claim for increase.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and IBS preclude him from securing and following substantial gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU effective July 15, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for a left wrist scar, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are being remanded due to procedural errors in the initial decision. The AOJ is instructed to provide VCAA notice and assist in obtaining any relevant private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for IBS and a headache condition, including migraine headaches due to incomplete information in the record.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to inadequate examinations and failure to consider changes in rating criteria over time.

The Veteran is granted SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o) and additional monthly allowance based on need for regular aid and attendance (SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1)). However, she does not meet the criteria for higher level of care needed (SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(2)).

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of right knee chronic osteoarthritis, diverticulitis due to an undiagnosed illness, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to an undiagnosed illness because the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected restless leg syndrome and gastrointestinal disorder have been denied.,Service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, claimed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), has also been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran was not precluded from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities prior to February 10, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach condition (IBS) and related issues of right toe and left foot conditions is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD were initially rated at 30 percent prior to November 17, 2016. Beginning on that date, the rating was increased to 60 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination opinions and a need for additional development regarding the Veteran's claimed gastrointestinal disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating on his right ankle sprain was withdrawn during the August 2021 hearing.,Claims for hypertension and ED, both secondary to PTSD, were denied in November 2016. No new evidence has been submitted that could reopen these claims.,Claims for left knee condition and right knee condition were also denied in December 2016. Again, no new evidence has been submitted that could reopen these claims.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his right ankle sprain rating was denied.,Service connection for IBS was granted.,Service connection for fibromyalgia was denied.,A 20 percent disability rating, but no higher, was granted for the left ankle condition. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating based on this appeal.,The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen claims of service connection for numbness, muscle and joint pain, migraines, memory loss, and lower back conditions.,Claims for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were also remanded.