IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, and onychomycosis. The case will be returned to the Board after further examination and medical opinions are obtained.

The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome and gastrointestinal disorder are granted as service connection is established due to the benefit of doubt being afforded.,Service connection for GERD is granted, with the Board finding that it began during active duty.

The Veteran's IBS was granted a 30 percent rating from May 20, 2022. Headaches were also granted a 30 percent rating from August 8, 2018.

The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding various conditions and ratings, as the Veteran requested to withdraw all claims.

The Veteran's IBS is granted a rating of 30 percent for the period on appeal. The service connection claims for hypertension and OSA are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Veteran withdrew all pending appeals, including those related to migraines, IBS, and sinusitis/Allergic rhinitis.

The Veteran's service-connected depressive disorder is found to be the primary cause of his diagnosed conditions, including NAFLD, IBS, GERD, diverticulosis of the colon, sleep apnea, and bilateral restless leg syndrome.,Service connection has been granted for these conditions as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected depression.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is granted service connection due to exposure to toxins in Southwest Asia. The claim for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in an August 2021 rating decision was dismissed as the appellant no longer wished to pursue the appeal.

The Veteran's service connection claims for back disorder, bipolar disorder, and IBS have been denied. The shortness of breath claim is remanded due to lack of Individual Exposure Summary. Service connection for hysterectomy associated with endometriosis and SMC based on loss of use of a creative organ are also remanded.,The Veteran's service-connected bipolar disorder has not met the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 70 percent from February 27, 2023. The IBS claim is denied as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions provided in March and August 2023 are inadequate to address all of the issues raised by the Veteran's representative. The Board is therefore remanding the case for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's neurogenic bladder is rated at 40 percent, which adequately compensates for his condition.,The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is currently rated at 30 percent and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for CFS and fibromyalgia was severed in a March 2020 rating decision, so these claims are dismissed.,The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for IBS is denied.,The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for a respiratory disability is denied.,The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for a right shoulder disability is denied.,The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for a prostate disability is denied.,The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability is denied.,The Veteran's entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability is denied.,An initial rating of 50 percent, but no higher, for PTSD has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS and right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service.,Service connection was also granted for a left hand disability but is being remanded due to additional development needed.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions, including headaches (migraines), neurological signs and symptoms, psychiatric disability, hip disabilities, knee disabilities, plantar fasciitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, obstructive sleep apnea, fatigue, hypertension, glaucoma, and optic atrophy have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these claims during his March 2021 Board hearing.,The appeals were withdrawn by the Veteran in writing prior to the promulgation of a decision by the Board.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, and the issues of entitlement to service connection for a stomach disorder, right knee disorder, low back disorder, left thigh disorder, left foot drop, and tinnitus are remanded due to new evidence submitted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as there was no evidence showing she was unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with GERD is rated at 60 percent, effective from April 17, 2012. The rating reflects severe impairment of health due to symptoms such as pain, vomiting, weight loss, and melena.

The Veteran's service-connected allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and IBS are being remanded for further evaluation.,Specifically, the Board is requesting additional medical evidence to determine if higher ratings are warranted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The Board found the severity, frequency, and duration of his PTSD symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 100 percent rating. For IBS, he was already receiving the highest schedular rating available under DC 7319. RLE radiculopathy and LLE radiculopathy were rated at 20% each, with no evidence of more than moderate incomplete paralysis.