IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2022

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is currently rated at 30 percent disabling, effective September 1, 2015. The Board found that the evidence supported a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal for a temporary total evaluation of 100 percent based on surgical or other treatment necessitating convalescence for atrial fibrillation is dismissed. The issue of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome is also dismissed. New and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for TBI disability, which is now reopened. An effective date of May 23, 2013, but no earlier, is granted for a 100 percent rating for PTSD. The Veteran's request for a total disability rating based on individual employability (TDIU) due to need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a compensable rating for IBS and TDIU due to new evidence indicating worsening symptoms since her last examination in January 2018.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed and the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded to obtain this information.

The Board dismissed all service connection claims and rating determinations for various conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, gastritis with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bilateral hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea. The Board also remanded claims for sinusitis, an autoimmune condition (claimed as fibromyalgia), a respiratory disability, and OSA.

The Veteran's service-connected median and ulnar nerve impairment, left hand, is granted. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine junction contusion is rated at least 40 percent throughout the appeal period. The Veteran's left groin strain is assigned a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is rated in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral shoulders, migraines (including as due to service-connected fibromyalgia, PTSD and IBS), a respiratory disorder (sinusitis), rating in excess of 40 percent for service-connected fibromyalgia, and rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's radiation proctitis, which is related to his service-connected prostate cancer, has been granted a 10 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 18, 2018 for tinnitus is denied.,The claims for reopening of service connection for thyroid cancer and abdominal aortic aneurysm are granted.,Service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is denied.,Service connection for renal cancer, COPD, back injury with bilateral nerve impairment, acid reflux, IBS, left leg injury/muscle injury, right leg injury/muscle injury, shrapnel wounds on back and legs, disability of the sternum, soft tissue sarcoma, and diabetes mellitus type II are all denied.,Service connection for PTSD is granted from January 18, 2018 to January 10, 2019 with a rating of 70 percent.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with hemochromatosis and arthralgia of the hands, shoulders, and knees are rated at their maximum levels. The scar and disfigurement from chemotherapy port insertion is rated as 10 percent disabling, and a separate rating for painful scars is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, left shoulder pain, and right shoulder pain were denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.,The Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability was not shown to be related to service.

The claims of service connection for colonic polyps, depression, and hypertension have been reopened. The Veteran's claims are remanded for further development regarding his secondary service connection issues.

The Veteran's sinus condition, including sinusitis and rhinitis, began during active service.,The Veteran's intestinal disorder, including diverticulitis and IBS, also began during active service.,However, the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's respiratory disorder, including bronchitis, began during active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the appeals for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, IBS, incontinence disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea were all denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal for an increased rating for gastrointestinal disorder and a remand for further examination regarding service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's appeals for depression, feet problems (gout), and gastroesophageal reflux disease were dismissed. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability was reopened due to new evidence submitted since the August 1992 rating decision. Service connection is granted for tinnitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disturbances, and fibromyalgia (claimed as weakened stability in upper and lower extremities and painful joints). The Veteran's claim of service connection for type II diabetes mellitus was remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and diverticulosis, finding that the Veteran's current GI condition is related to his active duty service.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as she withdrew these claims. The claim for service connection for a foot disorder is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection for a sleeping disorder must be remanded to allow for further development, including provision of a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, earlier effective date, and service connection are all remanded due to the need for updated medical records and examinations.