IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2023

The Veteran's IBS, Sinusitis, TMJ, and headaches have been granted service connection.,A separate rating for a painful C-section scar of the anterior trunk has also been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining private treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's intermittent loose stools are related to service or an undiagnosed illness. The right knee disability remains under review with respect to potential CUE in the initial rating decision.

The Veteran's IBD is now rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board found that his symptoms prior to August 11, 2017, met the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation.

The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than PTSD) is dismissed. The claims of service connection for fibromyalgia, IBS, and a skin disorder of the bilateral feet are reopened. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, and diabetes mellitus are denied. An increased rating for PTSD is granted.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbosacral strain disability and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), finding that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to the Veteran's active duty service or to another service-connected disability.,Specifically, the Board found that the current low back disability is not related to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The examiner concluded that the Veteran's IBS is idiopathic and unrelated to his anxiety disorder.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions regarding secondary service connection. The issues of service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and irritable bowel syndrome are now before the AOJ.

The Board has dismissed the claim for TDIU prior to January 31, 2019 due to maximization of compensation. The case is remanded for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to a Joint Motion for Remand (JMR) issued by the Veteran's representative and the VA Office of the General Counsel. The JMR requested that the Board address the issue of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance, including evidence provided during the December 2021 hearing where the Veteran's spouse stated he cannot be around bodies of water without being reminded.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for PTSD, IBS, lumbosacral strain, and left cubital tunnel syndrome are denied as the earliest possible effective date allowable by law is May 15, 2018.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple service-connected disabilities remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bipolar disorder has been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability (IBS) and an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD with alcohol use disorder are both remanded.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of March 30, 1998 for service connection for PTSD, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, and dermatitis. Service connection was not established due to the Veteran's Gulf War exposure but new evidence from VA treatment records allowed for reopening of his claim.

The Board has denied service connection for plantar fasciitis and remanded the issue of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The decision on plantar fasciitis is due to a lack of evidence linking it to service. For IBS, an addendum medical opinion is needed to determine if in-service exposure to burn pits could have caused the condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and hypertension are both remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for various conditions and issues have been withdrawn or remanded. The right knee disability claim has been reopened, but service connection is not granted. Sleep apnea secondary to PTSD is granted. Bilateral hearing loss requires a VA examination. A higher evaluation for PTSD is required. Headaches need an addendum opinion. Chronic rhinosinusitis needs a VA examination and etiological opinion. Right knee condition also requires a VA examination.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no evidence of a current disability for VA purposes.,The Veteran's IBS is denied as the record does not show continuity of symptoms since service or a nexus to service.,The Veteran's low back disorder is remanded due to inadequate opinion in the September 2018 VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been dismissed because the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal prior to a Board decision.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is granted as service connected due to the period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) from May 2013 to July 2013. The Board found that her IBS symptoms began during this period and were incurred in the line of duty.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids and Hepatitis B have been resolved. The Board has remanded the claims for gastrointestinal disability (including irritable bowel syndrome) and left ankle disability due to insufficient evidence.,Further examination is needed to determine if any current gastrointestinal or left ankle disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD). The appeal for a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical degenerative disc disease has been withdrawn. Service connection for infertility as due to radiation exposure is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for her left knee disability are being remanded due to procedural issues. The claim for a bilateral ankle disability is also pending, requiring the issuance of an SOC.