IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2023

The Board has granted service connection for chronic sinusitis, sleep apnea, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The decision is based on direct evidence of a link between the conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the VA examination is inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to assess the nature and etiology of the claimed IBS.

The appeal of the claim for service connection for Lyme disease is dismissed. The Board has remanded the claims for a left wrist disorder, a left hand disorder, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and PTSD from December 19, 2011.

The Veteran's service connection claim for IBS, a medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness due to service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War is granted. Service connection for secondary right hip disability, left hip disability, and right knee disability are denied.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted. The Board finds remand required for the left shoulder condition, irritable bowel syndrome, right and left knee disabilities, and PTSD and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for intestinal and esophageal disabilities, as well as benign prostatic hypertrophy. The reasons include a need for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions, particularly in relation to the Veteran's exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, PTSD, cervical strain, lumbosacral strain, and migraines have been remanded due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new and relevant evidence received since his last rating decision, including testimony from a recent hearing. The claims for bowel disorder, fertility disorder, headache disorder, hypertension, hypothyroidism, bilateral hip disability, and vision disorder are all denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn all of his pending claims and appeals, including those related to bronchitis, dermatitis, tremors, chronic fatigue syndrome, right knee strain, low back strain, multiple scars on the left side of body, sinusitis with headaches, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity sciatic nerve, left shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis with degenerative arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Veteran's claim for additional retroactive VA disability compensation benefits under the Concurrent Retirement and Disability Payment (CRDP) program is remanded due to insufficient information from the retired pay center and DFAS records. The AOJ must provide a detailed review of the Veteran's compensation award, specifically for the period prior to April 1, 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for COPD, and increased ratings for the service-connected muscle injury, and associated scars were withdrawn by his representative. The Board has dismissed these appeals.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU is remanded due to conflicting information about the severity of his IBS symptoms and incomplete medical records. The Board requires VA treatment records, private gastroenterology records, and any SSA benefits determination and related medical records.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the service connection claim for irritable bowel syndrome before a decision was made.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to June 2, 2017 are being remanded due to incomplete development. The diabetes rating claim requires a new VA examination to assess physical activity restrictions, while the GSW claim needs additional medical records and examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for IBS and dysthymic disorder were denied due to failure to attend scheduled VA examinations without providing good cause.,Service connection claims for cardiovascular, bipolar, and PTSD disorders were also denied as the evidence did not support a finding of an in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating prior to April 12, 2022 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for residuals fractured 4th metatarsal of the left foot is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastrointestinal disability (including IBS, chronic constipation, and GERD) secondary to service-connected PTSD is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is denied. The current 30 percent rating assigned under Diagnostic Code 7319 adequately compensates the Veteran for his IBS symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of IBS was denied. The Board found that the current evidence did not support a higher rating.,The issue of service connection for Barrett's esophagus is remanded, indicating further investigation may be needed.

The Veteran's GERD was not incurred in service and is not related to any service-connected disability. The Board denied service connection for GERD.,There is no evidence of a gastrointestinal disability, including IBS, during or within one year after service. The Board denied service connection for gastrointestinal disability.