IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sprained ribs and multiple sclerosis has been denied. The Veteran was granted a 10% rating for hypertension.,Additional issues of service connection have been remanded, including those related to seizures, skin disorders, exanthema of the hands, chronic non-pressure ulcers of the lower limbs, scars, TBI, and ataxia.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of her claimed disabilities. The claims will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has directed a VA examination to determine the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disability and his reported 'night sweats'. The remand is due to the failure of the VA to provide an appropriate dermatologist for the requested evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and diabetes mellitus based on the presumption of exposure to Gulf War conditions. Service connection was denied for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), esophageal stricture, a chronic skin disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and nephrolithiasis.

The Board has denied service connection for right hand disability and psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The issues of service connection for residuals of sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis (claimed as a positive PPD test), sinusitis, and gastrointestinal disabilities have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including anxiety, and a temporary total disability rating based on hospitalization for an acquired psychiatric condition. The case is remanded to obtain updated medical opinions regarding the Veteran's IBS and TDIU.

The Veteran's IBS and right shoulder condition were granted initial ratings. The claims for fibromyalgia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and fatigue are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's IBS disability picture more nearly approximated the 30 percent rating criteria under DC 7319, which is the highest schedular rating available. The Veteran was granted a 30 percent initial disability rating for IBS effective November 5, 2014.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids disability picture more nearly approximated the 10 percent rating criteria under DC 7336. The Veteran was granted a 10 percent initial disability rating for hemorrhoids effective November 5, 2014.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from August 11, 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a right shoulder disability, hemorrhoids, IBS, and an unspecified chest and rib condition due to insufficient examination opinions that did not consider the Veteran's subjective reports.

The Veteran's digestive disability, including GERD and IBS, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is found to be aggravated by his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and examination to determine the nature and cause of his claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine osteoarthritis and a bowel disorder claimed as IBS due to lack of continuity of symptoms since service, and the failure to show onset during or related to service. The Board also denied service connection for an IBS disorder because there is no current diagnosis of IBS.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision on his claims for service connection and other issues. As such, the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of irritable bowel syndrome and an increased rating for PTSD have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn her appeals.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his service-connected left foot disability was denied. The claim for service connection for a stomach condition was also denied.

The Veteran's IBS symptoms have been rated at 30% since September 24, 2015. The Board has also remanded the claims for service connection for hysterectomy, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and lumbar disability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for GERD and IBS have been dismissed.

The Veteran's appeals for hypertension, right and left knee disabilities, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and sinusitis were dismissed. The Board granted service connection for chronic sinusitis, IBS, GERD, and obstructive sleep apnea.