IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disability, claimed as pneumonia, has been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,An effective date of May 15, 2017, but not earlier, is granted for the grant of service connection for PTSD and insomnia.

An initial disability rating of 30 percent is granted for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with gastritis, dyspepsia, diarrhea, and hematochezia for the period from March 4, 2010 to August 21, 2021.,A disability rating in excess of 30 percent for GERD with gastritis, dyspepsia, diarrhea, and hematochezia is denied beginning August 21, 2021.

The appeal of the IBS issue is dismissed as the appellant withdrew her appeal.,The appeals for other conditions are also dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right thumb De Quervain's tenosynovitis is dismissed. The Board grants service connection for a cervical spine (neck disability), but denies service connection for bilateral upper extremity conditions, gastrointestinal disability, urethritis, and right ankle disability. Service connection for chest pain is also denied.

The Veteran's IBS with GERD, diverticulosis, and abdominal pain is rated at a 60 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran to provide additional medical records and for new VA examinations to determine the etiology of his seizure disorder and gastrointestinal disorders. The claims are also remanded for TDIU consideration.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary for the service connection claims related to right heel disability, right ankle disability, headaches, left knee disability, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeal for service connection for COPD due to a grant of service connection in November 2021. The remaining issues on appeal are remanded.

The Veteran is granted a higher 70 percent rating for PTSD and associated disorders, effective from November 28, 2015. A higher 60 percent rating is also granted for IBS and GERD. The case of service connection for OSA and the issue of a rating in excess of 30 percent for asthma are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person prior to August 27, 2020, which resulted in a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at a maximum of 30 percent, but no higher. The VA is directed to obtain an updated examination for COPD and provide the Veteran with a new examination regarding his exposure to sodium dichromate.,The VA must also determine whether the Veteran's current symptoms are related to his service or any other exposures.

The Veteran's IBS, dyspepsia, Barrett's esophagus without dysplasia, and esophageal reflux have been granted service connection as they are related to his active duty service.,The Veteran's tension headaches have also been granted service connection as they are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine condition, multiple joint pain, and stomach condition have been reopened due to new evidence. The Board has remanded these issues for further development.,Respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions are also being remanded for additional examination and opinion.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and opinion regarding whether the Veteran's diagnosed IBS and asthma are related to his service, including exposure to burn pits in service.

The Board has denied service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder (insomnia) and remanded the issues of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, low back disability, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple claims for various conditions, with some issues remanded for further review and others denied. The primary issue is the denial of a higher rating for tinnitus, which has been assigned the maximum schedular rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, allergies (bee sting, iodine, shellfish), right knee disability, left knee disability, right rotator cuff repair residuals, left rotator cuff repair residuals, respiratory disorder, left hand cold injury residuals, hernia residuals claimed as a stomach condition, skin condition, headaches, and right arm nerve damage are all denied. The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment prior to February 17, 2009. The Board finds that the evidence is factually ascertainable and tends to show that he was unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss by VA standards.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have worsened, and additional examinations are needed to determine the current severity of his PTSD, headaches, right ear hearing loss, CFS, fibromyalgia, IBS, GERD, sleep apnea, and TBI. The Veteran also has new claims for service connection for these conditions.