IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2023

The Board has decided that the issue of service connection for hernia, claimed as abdominal discomfort, as secondary to irritable bowel syndrome needs further development and is therefore remanded.

The Veteran's IBS is granted on a presumptive basis under the PACT Act, and his migraine headaches are granted as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder.,The Veteran's IBS prior to enactment of the PACT Act remains pending and will be remanded for further examination.

The Board dismissed the issue of whether a reduction in rating for irritable bowel syndrome from 30 percent to noncompensable was proper, as no actual appealable decision had been made and a subsequent decision continued the original rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, and migraines is granted. The PACT Act recognizes these conditions as presumptive due to burn pit exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS was granted a rating of 30 percent prior to August 20, 2020. The right shoulder disability remains in dispute and is remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates and increased ratings have been dismissed.,The Board has remanded several issues including service connection for various conditions.

The Veteran's IBS is related to his active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's GERD and IBS are rated at a maximum of 30 percent, with the Board finding no evidence to support higher ratings. The issue of service connection for OSA is remanded due to inadequate nexus opinion.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, CAD at 60 percent, and IBS at 30 percent. TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, as his current protected work environment with VA does not allow for substantial income generation.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to the adjudication of the Veteran's claim for service connection for GERD. The case will be returned to the Board after completion of the requested actions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his inability to attend VA examinations. The appeal will be decided based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied service connection for back condition and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as there is no current evidence of these conditions during the appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for GERD and IBS, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions are related to service. The Veteran's symptoms of GERD and IBS have been present since his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ingrown toenail condition, bilateral knee condition, and acquired psychiatric condition have been denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral strain has been remanded.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for IBS is denied as there was no formal or informal claim received prior to June 20, 2019.

The Board has remanded the claim for a higher rating for PTSD due to additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on whether gastrointestinal and liver conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence and need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic lumbar spine disability, chronic cervical spine disability, chronic right knee disability, and IBS (presumptively related to Southwest Asia service). The claims are based on the presumption of exposure in the Gulf War setting.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic constipation with features of IBS are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination findings. The case will be further reviewed after obtaining a new VA examination.