IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and right hand carpal tunnel syndrome have been remanded due to the submission of new evidence that relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.,Service connection for PTSD remains denied as the in-service stressor could not be corroborated.

The Board has dismissed the appeal regarding service connection for a skin disorder other than urticaria. Service connection for sleep apnea is granted, and an increased disability rating of 30 percent for IBS and GERD is granted from February 17, 2011.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has denied an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and has remanded the issues of service connection for upper airway restriction syndrome, including sleep apnea, and hypertension secondary to these conditions.

The Veteran's IBS, chronic diarrhea, and lymphocytic colitis are being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of her service-connected conditions. The effective date for TDIU is also being remanded due to its inextricability with the rating issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's Disease due to insufficient evidence. The case will be returned to the Board after further development.

The Veteran's kidney condition appeal was dismissed as he withdrew his claim.,Service connection for a neck condition and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy is granted. The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and tension headaches are rated at 30 percent each.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to unclear analysis of a 1975 VA hospital record and requests for additional relevant records. The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including GERD and IBS, are being reviewed again.

Service connection is granted for PTSD, with a rating of 70 percent effective from December 20, 2018.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, irritable bowel syndrome, left knee/left leg disability, and migraine headaches have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD with irritable bowel syndrome was restored to a 60% disability rating, effective May 13, 2015. The RO also granted TDIU benefits due solely to the Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder associated with cannabis use disorder.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for lumbar spine disability, IBS, and cervical spine disability are dismissed as no appeal was submitted.

The Veteran's IBS with subtotal gastrectomy for a perforated duodenal ulcer is now rated at 30 percent effective July 12, 2016. The rating remains at 30 percent for the period prior to that date.

The Board dismissed the appeal for an increased rating for gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome because the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability other than GERD, including irritable bowel syndrome and pancreatitis is denied as there is no current diagnosis of any chronic gastrointestinal disorder, other than GERD.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection of low back, left knee, right ankle disabilities and IBS secondary to PTSD. The cases are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases of IBS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome due to the need for additional VA medical records, particularly from a July 2021 appointment and related diagnostic testing.

The Board has granted service connection for migraine headaches as secondary to PTSD with recurrent major depression and a rating of 30 percent for IBS and GERD from April 16, 2014.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for leukoplakia and intestinal condition due to inadequate examinations and unclear etiology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders other than IBS, and left or right-hand numbness are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are due to his service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations did not adequately address the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and Respiratory Symptoms. The case is being remanded to obtain additional opinions from a VA examiner.