IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence regarding his employment history and because there is a possibility that he may be unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities. The case will now be referred for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability and its relation to service in Southwest Asia. The case will be reviewed again with a new examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left arm, chest, back, and abdominal scars are granted.,The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder (panic disorder without agoraphobia) and IBS are also granted as service connected.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to Gulf War service, but the other issues related to sleep apnea, headaches, and numbness are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service connection for headaches is granted as the current disability began during active service or is related to in-service injuries.,Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted as it is proximately due to or the result of the service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with depression.,The Veteran's substance abuse disorder, including alcohol abuse disorder, was not proximately due to or result of or aggravated by the service-connected PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's IBS is etiologically related to his service-connected disabilities, specifically PTSD and hiatal hernia with GERD, as well as medications taken for his service-connected disabilities. Service connection for IBS on a secondary basis has been granted.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for higher disability ratings in several conditions, including voiding and erectile dysfunction, allergic rhinitis, hypogeusia, sinusitis, sinus headache, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has found that the VA examiner's opinions are inadequate and remands the case for further development, including a new examination to determine if the Veteran's gastrointestinal disability is related to his service-connected PTSD, depressive disorder NOS, and alcohol dependence.

The Veteran's IBS with duodenal ulcer post-gastrectomy and ventral hernia have been granted increased ratings since July 12, 2016.,A total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) has also been granted effective April 29, 2022.

The Board denied service connection for a lower gastrointestinal disorder (IBS), sinusitis with rhinitis, type II diabetes mellitus, and low back disorder. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active duty or National Guard service.,Service connection was also denied for right and left knee disorders due to lack of evidence linking the current conditions to service.

Service connection for IBS is granted, and an initial rating of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain is granted effective June 16, 2022. The issues of service connection for respiratory insufficiency/dyspnea, CFS, tremors of the hands, and unspecified muscle and joint pain are remanded.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is granted a 30% disability rating. Service connection for fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep apnea, and migraines are denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating on lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is dismissed. The claim for hypertension remains denied. Service connection for diabetes mellitus has been granted based on new and material evidence. Chronic constipation secondary to service-connected hypertension is now service connected. Claims for chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, fibromyalgia, and MUCMI are all denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating due to insufficient development of evidence, including a need for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's IBS is rated at its maximum of 30 percent. Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities is granted as it is related to his service-connected back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate statement of reasons or bases and reliance on an inadequate examination. The Veteran's IBS is claimed as resulting from a medication for diabetes mellitus prescribed by VA, but the appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's tinnitus and psychiatric disability, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, are granted service connection. Service connection for Gulf War illness manifestations of fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to December 7, 2018, for the award of service connection for PTSD is denied. An initial 70 percent rating, but no higher, for PTSD is granted.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disability and IBS are remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination, and a new opinion is needed regarding the relationship between the Veteran's gastrointestinal symptoms and his service-connected depressive disorder.

The Board has denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, and has remanded the issues of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia due to exposure in Southwest Asia.