IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2022

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any gastrointestinal disability present during the pendency of this claim, whether or not it has since resolved. The Veteran's active service included multiple in-service diagnoses of gastrointestinal disabilities and post-service treatment records show a continuation of his symptoms.

The Board denied service connection for a stomach disability, including IBS and diverticular disease, as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and opinions regarding his right shoulder and elbow conditions, service connection for IBS, gallbladder condition, pre-cancer polyps and colon problems, gum disease, and TDIU.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar disorder and schizotypal personality disorder, is granted as service connected. Service connection for PTSD is denied. The issues of service connection for IBS, right upper extremity disorder (right shoulder strain), and cervical spine disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions.

The Veteran's respiratory disability is not service-connected, and his TDIU claim is granted due to multiple service-connected disabilities preventing him from working.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him totally disabled, thus leaving no question of law or fact to decide regarding the TDIU issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including IBS and leakage of stool, due to Gulf War exposure. The remand is in response to an inadequate examination report from November 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease with irritable bowel syndrome is being remanded due to delays in the claims process and the need for a new medical examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and Hemorrhoids, as they are related to MST and PTSD. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine if he currently has these conditions and whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for various disabilities and benefits have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his representative.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as he meets the schedular criteria for a total disability rating due to his service-connected disabilities, but SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(s) cannot be awarded based on multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Veteran's IBS diagnosis is from a private gastroenterologist within one year after separation from service in 1987. The VA examiner will need to determine if the Veteran's subjective symptoms since 2010 support a diagnosis of IBS while his prior symptoms did not. For the acquired psychiatric disorder, the VA examiner will need to identify any current mental health diagnoses and determine their relationship to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder degenerative joint disease, intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis of the cervical spine, and residuals, fracture of anterolateral ribs #6 and #7.,All three conditions are found to be related to in-service injuries sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS has been granted a rating of 60 percent, effective from January 24, 2020. A separate 10 percent rating for impairment of sphincter control is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a rash of the groin area, diagnosed as inverse psoriasis. The issue of an initial compensable rating for a back disability prior to April 16, 2020, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter remains pending. Other issues remain remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and low back condition due to a lack of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for CFS, allergic rhinitis, and bilateral foot toenail fungus have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for the latter condition.,Service connection was denied for CFS, allergic rhinitis, and bilateral foot toenail fungus.

The Veteran's appeal for higher evaluations for her service-connected stomach disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disorder was denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule, and there was no evidence of exceptional disability requiring extraschedular consideration.