IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2021

The Veteran's GERD and IBS are granted as secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disorder. His PTSD is denied, and MDD is also denied. A rating of 100 percent for the psychiatric condition is granted from March 11, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for migraine headaches prior to April 17, 2018 was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the schedular criteria.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to June 21, 2017 was also denied. The Board determined that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or following gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD with irritable bowel syndrome is denied. The effective date for the grant of service connection for GERD with irritable bowel syndrome is granted as February 4, 2015.

The Veteran's service-connected disorders, including PTSD, IBS, migraines, left knee disorder, and bilateral fibrocystic breast disease, have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 7, 2011.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and Crohn's disease, as well as his kidney condition. The claims are being remanded to obtain VA medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, and the Board dismissed all issues due to lack of allegations of errors of fact or law.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to engage and retain substantially gainful employment, qualifying for TDIU. The Veteran is not in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, thus SMC on the basis of aid and attendance is denied.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to June 10, 2016 and July 23, 2016 for residuals of rectal fistula repair associated with IBS and surgical scar, rectal fistula repair are granted, with an effective date set at February 2, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is granted with an effective date of November 1, 2009. Service connection for colitis is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected conditions aggravated his headaches.

The Veteran's appeal regarding bilateral hearing loss and respiratory disorder has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals for these issues.,Service connection for tinnitus was granted, with a disability rating of 30 percent assigned.

The Veteran's right elbow strain has been granted a 10 percent evaluation effective June 17, 2015. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome have also been established.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for clarification on whether the Veteran's hypothyroidism manifested as myxedema during the appeal period, specifically since February 2014.

The Board has found that there is new and relevant evidence for the previously denied claims of service connection for GERD, IBS, unspecified depressive disorder, and skin condition (basal cell carcinoma). The Veteran's claim will be remanded to obtain a VA examination and correct any pre-decisional duty to assist errors.

The claim for hepatitis C has been reopened, but service connection is denied. The claims for GERD and IBS related to herbicide exposure or PTSD are remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, IBS, Hemorrhoids, Right Thumb Scar, Right Ear Hearing Loss, and Tinnitus, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to January 15, 2020. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for this period.

The Veteran's IBS is manifested by severe symptoms, with diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation, with more or less constant abdominal distress. The Board has granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for IBS.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation, thus denying his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder and fibromyalgia due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's appeal for fibromyalgia was dismissed.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for service connection of various disabilities, including hip, shoulder, and back conditions.