IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2023

The Veteran's claim for a separate disability rating for impairment of sphincter control was denied as the evidence did not show complete loss of sphincter control or frequent involuntary bowel movements.,The Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for service-connected IBS with GERD from April 3, 2014, was also denied. The Board found that the available schedular ratings adequately addressed his disability picture.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals regarding the claims of service connection for headaches, GERD, IBS, pterygium, right and left knee disabilities, and right and left shoulder disabilities. The appeal is dismissed as a result.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome. The male reproductive system disorder issue is being remanded.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, respiratory disorders, lung nodule, gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, and irritable bowel syndrome are all granted service connection. The hypertension claim is denied.,Service connection for the acquired psychiatric disorders (PTSD, depression, anxiety disorder, and nightmare disorder) is granted based on in-service stressors and continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not by themselves cause him to require aid and assistance in accomplishing the activities of daily living and render him unable to protect himself from the hazards and dangers of his daily environment. Therefore, SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is denied.

The Board denied service connection for an intestinal disability, to include IBS, and a gastroesophageal disability, to include GERD.,Both conditions were found not related to active service or any incident of service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as the Veteran's authorized representative withdrew all issues on appeal in a July 2022 letter.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU has been dismissed as the matter was specifically withdrawn by his attorney. The issues of TDIU have been dismissed for both time periods from July 3, 2008 to present and November 14, 2006 to July 2, 2008.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate development and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are sufficient to meet the threshold requirement for entitlement to a program of vocational rehabilitation. However, he did not meet the second requirement as his service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities have been overcome by his extensive education, practical work experience, and transferrable skills.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including IBS, and the rating for colon volvulus are denied. The left hip strain is granted with a 10% rating prior to February 3, 2022, and denied with a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension was denied as the evidence did not establish a relationship between her current diagnosis and her period of service or her service-connected PTSD and IBS.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for IBS prior to August 18, 2022 was denied due to insufficient evidence showing that her service-connected disabilities aggravated her hypertension beyond natural progression.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD prior to August 18, 2022 was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's service connection claim for IBS is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a bilateral knee disability as secondary to his service-connected ankle disability.

The Veteran's IBS is granted as presumptively related to his service in Southwest Asia. The left knee disability and obstructive sleep apnea are remanded for further development, including obtaining medical nexus opinions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on an extraschedular basis, finding that the current schedular ratings adequately addressed his symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is secondary to his service-connected bipolar disorder and any medications used to treat it. The examiner should consider the side effects of Lamotrigine prescribed for bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and scars residual of gynecomastia status post mastectomy, ultrasound liposuction and donut mastopexy are granted. The claims for service connection for right and left ankle disabilities are remanded.

The Board has denied service connection for an intestinal condition, to include IBS, and generalized joint pain, to include orthopedic conditions of the right knee and bilateral hands. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied, while her claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome as secondary to generalized anxiety disorder was granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for IBS, diverticulitis, and gastroesophageal disability (including GERD and hiatal hernia) due to conflicting evidence of current diagnoses and inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's Gulf War exposure is presumed.