IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected left ear hearing loss is denied. The claims of reopening service connection for cervical spine disability and right ear hearing loss, as well as the claims of service connection for lumbar spine disability (claimed as low back pain), right sciatic nerve pain, gastrointestinal disability (irritable bowel syndrome), migraine headaches, pseudofolliculitis barbae, obstructive sleep apnea, finger disability (right pinky finger dislocation), acquired psychiatric disability (depressive disorder), hair loss (alopecia), and skin rash are all denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a disability manifested by frequent urination or bladder incontinence and night sweats is also denied.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder, to include IBS and GERD, is granted service connection. Prior to August 31, 2022, the Veteran's PTSD is granted a rating of 50 percent. Other issues are either denied or remanded.

The Veteran's IBS condition, characterized by severe symptoms including chronic diarrhea, has been rated at a 30 percent initial rating since April 24, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for irritable bowel syndrome, hernia, bilateral vision loss, and a bilateral toenail condition were dismissed. The claim for sleep apnea was reopened and granted as secondary to PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal includes requests for service connection for various conditions, including throat pain and indigestion, GERD with hiatal hernia, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), joint pain, joint swelling, neck pain, muscle cramps, dizziness and lightheadedness, cold symptoms, cold toes, abdominal pain, white patches on skin, rashes and hives, and hypersomnolence. These requests are being remanded for further review.,The Veteran's appeal also includes a request for an increased rating for migraine headaches, which has been granted with a 50 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the remaining issues on appeal due to procedural errors in recognizing the Veteran's VA Forms 10182 and placing his appeal on the AMA Hearing Docket. The Veteran's appeal is now under the legacy system, and he must file a timely VA Form 9 or VA 10182 to continue his appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and unspecified anxiety disorder are granted service connection, while the Veteran's hernia, IBS, lumbar spine disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability are remanded for further review.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is presumed to be related to his service in the Persian Gulf, and he was granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder including PTSD and MDD. The Board found that the Veteran's in-service stressors were corroborated and linked to his current conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Heart Condition as they are moot due to a grant of service connection under the AMA framework.

The Veteran's service connection for hemorrhoids, mild TMJ disorder with bruxism, left carpal tunnel syndrome with cubital tunnel syndrome, bilateral plantar fasciitis, persistent depressive disorder, GERD with IBS, shin splint, right lower extremity, and shin splint, left lower extremity have been granted. The Veteran's service connection for left carpal tunnel syndrome with cubital tunnel syndrome has been granted at a 30 percent rating effective from November 21, 2019.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for diverticulosis and H-pylori with gastritis (claimed as IBS) and laryngopharyngeal reflux and epistaxis. The case is remanded to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for gallbladder disability and gastrointestinal tract cancer were denied in a final rating decision. The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen these claims, as well as his application for presumptive service connection for IBS. However, the Board has also remanded the issues regarding gastrointestinal disability, including appendix disability, colon disability, liver disability, gallbladder disability, pancreas disability, and diverticulitis.

The Board has remanded the claims for skin cancer, IBS secondary to PTSD, seizures secondary to PTSD, and TBI residuals due to service-connected PTSD. The VA is instructed to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases due to new evidence being added since the last decision, and the Veteran did not respond within the required timeframe. The AOJ will review the new evidence and issue a decision.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete or conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed penile disability, bowel disability, and hemorrhoids. The cases are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for additional action.

The Veteran's dermatitis/skin disability, sinusitis, IBS, and acquired psychiatric disability are all granted as service-connected.,All relevant conditions have been linked to the Veteran's active duty service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various conditions, including arthritis, respiratory disabilities, scleroderma, fibromyalgia, stomach disability, and DM type II with diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy. The Veteran's participation in a TERA is acknowledged, but further development is needed to address her exposure claims.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection under Chapter 17, Title 38, United States Code, for heart condition, irritable bowel syndrome, mental health conditions, sleep apnea (lung condition), and tinnitus. The VA is required to provide a VA medical examination due to potential exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and other conditions, have prevented him from securing or maintaining gainful employment throughout the appeal period. The Board has granted a TDIU based on his combined disability rating of 90 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's employment history and income information, requiring further development of his occupational details and earnings records.