IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2024

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to service connection for gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS, colitis, and gastritis. The appeal is now pending again with a new examination required.

The Board granted an effective date of April 29, 2019, for the award of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, and bipolar disorder.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions are being remanded due to errors in the duty to assist and regulatory requirements. The Board finds that additional development is needed, particularly regarding medical opinions related to exposure to burn pits.

The Board has remanded the cases of fecal incontinence and a rating for irritable bowel syndrome due to the need for further medical examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's IBS was granted an initial 30 percent disability rating, which is the maximum schedular rating under both pre-amended and post-amended Diagnostic Code 7319.

The Veteran is seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for diverticulitis with irritable bowel syndrome based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in a previous rating decision. The AOJ failed to address the CUE contentions in its initial decision, so the case must be remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of such assistance.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), right hip disorder, right knee disorder, and right ankle disorder due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection will be granted if there is a current disability, an in-service injury or disease, and a nexus between the two.

The appeal challenging the proposed reduction of the Veteran's service-connected IBS from 30 percent to 0 percent is dismissed.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating, and service connection for IBS is granted. The claim of a compensable rating for chronic hemorrhoids is remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection and increased ratings related to alcohol use disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, right knee pain, right shoulder pain, irritable bowel syndrome, hearing loss, and eczema.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, erectile dysfunction, bilateral flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and frost bite are dismissed. The claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is remanded due to the PACT Act requirements.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and consideration of his claims regarding knee disabilities, hip pain, and service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and initial ratings for various disabilities, as well as DEA benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome and thus, service connection is not warranted. For rhinitis/sinusitis, the Board remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding its onset during service or etiology.

The Veteran's service connection claim for IBS is granted due to the PACT Act, which expanded eligibility for Persian Gulf veterans. The Board found that the Veteran has a diagnosis of IBS and objective indications of a qualifying chronic disability related to his service in Afghanistan.

The Board remands the claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome to obtain a medical examination and opinion in compliance with the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins Act of 2022 (PACT Act).

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depression, combined with his irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), has prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since August 26, 2019. The Board finds that a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and IBS, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service and have been chronic since. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible statements regarding her symptomatology.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD due to MST and IBS are remanded. The Board finds that a new VA opinion is needed regarding the pre-service existence of any psychiatric disability, as well as whether any acquired psychiatric disability had its clinical onset during service or is related to service.