IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2024

The Veteran's initial ratings for hypertension and GERD were granted, but the appeal regarding service connection for IBS was remanded. The hypertension rating is at its minimum level of 10 percent, while the GERD rating remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS is rated at a combined 10 percent, and the right hip trochanteric pain syndrome is granted as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus.,Secondary service connection for right knee condition and left knee condition are denied.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia are rated at a maximum of 30 percent, which is the highest schedular rating available for these conditions. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied. The Veteran received a 60 percent rating for GERD since March 21, 2015, and a 30 percent rating for IBS since the same date. A more than 70 percent rating for PTSD with alcohol use disorder, depressive disorder, and insomnia disorder was denied as of June 6, 2024.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for SMC based on housebound status and eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits. The Board has determined that the earliest possible effective dates are February 18, 2014 for SMC and February 19, 2014 for DEA.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which was granted a permanent and total rating from February 18, 2014. This resulted in the assignment of earlier effective dates for both SMC and DEA benefits.

The appeal for service connection for PTSD secondary to MST is dismissed. The claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction, IBS, and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disability is granted. The claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and dysuria/polyuria are remanded due to incomplete records.

The Veteran's claims for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis are denied as there is no persuasive evidence that these conditions began during service or are related to an in-service injury.,The Veteran's claim for left shoulder radiculopathy secondary to cervical degenerative joint disease is granted. The Board finds the evidence at least equipoise on whether his current condition is due to his service-connected cervical spine disability.,The Veteran's claims for COPD and a right shoulder disability are remanded as there was no VA examination conducted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board has remanded the issues of left hip strain, right hip strain, and gastrointestinal condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development regarding potential exposure to PFAS firefighting foam and for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his shoulder conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in obtaining pre-decisional duty to assist and for a further medical opinion.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for the Veteran's IBS, finding that his symptoms most nearly approximate moderate impairment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for essential tremors, left and right hand cubital tunnel syndrome, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and GERD, Barrett's Esophagus with Irritable Bowel Syndrome due to inconsistencies in previous VA examinations and the need for further clarification of his symptoms.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are granted a 50 percent evaluation, effective December 2, 2021. The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is denied any increase in rating. The Veteran's right shoulder strain and left knee strains are both denied any increase in ratings. The Veteran's meningitis and urine leakage as a residual of meningitis are granted increased evaluations. Special monthly compensation for housebound status and TDIU based on single service-connected disability are granted. An earlier effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 USC chapter 35 is denied.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, a qualifying chronic disability under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317, is granted as service-connected due to exposure during the Gulf War.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for IBS with GERD was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's IBS is rated at a 30 percent rating effective June 1, 2021. The Board found the evidence supported this rating based on his symptoms of alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal. No one has requested substitution for the Veteran.

The Veteran's IBS with GERD is denied for ratings in excess of the currently assigned ones.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for back condition and bowel disturbances (IBS) due to a pre-decisional duty-to-assist error. The AOJ did not obtain medical opinions in both cases, which is necessary to determine if there is a link between the conditions and active duty.