IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2024

The Board has granted service connection for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as a Gulf War syndrome, finding that the Veteran's IBS is related to his military service and meets the criteria for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7319.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and Basic Eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA).,The Board denied both claims, finding that the earliest effective dates were September 26, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for irritable bowel syndrome was denied as the symptoms did not meet the criteria for such a rating.,Service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder was denied due to the Veteran already having service-connected generalized anxiety disorder, which would result in impermissible pyramiding.

The Veteran's IBS with GERD is rated at 30 percent, but no higher. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision, leaving no issues for review.

Service connection for PTSD is granted due to a finding of direct service connection based on in-service sexual assault.,Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Irritable Bowel Syndrome are denied as not secondary to or attributable to service-connected PTSD.

The Board has dismissed all appeals regarding the Veteran's claims for various conditions and service connection, as the Veteran withdrew his appeals in writing.

The Veteran's low back disability, right foot plantar fasciitis, and IBS have been granted increased ratings with effective dates of June 3, 2016. Service connection for these conditions has also been established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The March 2016 rating decision assigned a 10% disability rating for thoracic kyphosis, but did not address the secondary service connection claims.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS, but has remanded his claims for erectile dysfunction and hypertension due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is unable to dress or undress himself, keep himself clean and presentable, prepare his own meals, and protect himself from daily hazards. The Board has granted entitlement to SMC(l).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, irritable bowel syndrome, and a urinary disorder due to the lack of current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and irritable bowel syndrome due to a duty-to-assist error in previous examinations. The Veteran's statements, including those from his former spouse and military buddies, will be considered along with medical records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left elbow, wrist, knee disabilities and IBS are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.,The Veteran's claim for presumptive service connection for undiagnosed illness or MUCMI related to Gulf War exposure is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion.,PTSD rating claims are being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding PTSD severity prior to November 2020.,The TDIU claim is being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with other pending claims.

The Veteran's depressive disorder is rated at 50 percent effective February 25, 2021.,The Veteran's GERD with IBS and Barrett's esophagus is rated at 30 percent effective February 25, 2021.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia is rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating as they were not severe enough to meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's GERD and IBS are now rated at 30 percent, effective August 28, 2020. Service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of right and left knee disorders, as well as CFS, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The initial evaluation for IBS remains denied.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for the claims of service connection for hypoaldosteronism, irritable bowel syndrome, pelvis floor dysfunction, prolapsed rectum and bladder, and syncope.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome were dismissed as the benefits sought have been granted.,The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a respiratory condition, peripheral arterial disease, stable angina, fevers (also claimed as Meningeal disease), and bilateral hearing loss were dismissed as the benefits sought have been granted.