IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2024

The Veteran's claim for residuals of a hysterectomy is denied as the evidence does not support a link to service.,Service connection is granted for IBS, presumed due to Persian Gulf Service. The Veteran served in Southwest Asia during her deployment.

The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) based on the evidence supporting its onset during Gulf War service.

The Veteran's IBS is granted as secondary to his service-connected PTSD. The skin rash condition, allergies, and heart condition are remanded for further development.

Service connection for malaria is denied. The Veteran's claim has been reopened, but service connection cannot be established as there was no evidence of a current disability during or within one year after service.,Service connection for chronic kidney disease is granted. The Veteran's current diagnosis is linked to herbicide agent exposure during service.,Service connection for the heart disability (atherosclerosis of the aorta) is granted. The Veteran has a current diagnosis and there is evidence linking it to herbicide agent exposure.,Service connection for hyperlipidemia is denied. There is no disease or disability listed under VA regulations that corresponds with this condition.,Service connection for asbestosis is denied. There is no evidence of asbestos exposure during service, and the Veteran's claim cannot be granted based on presumptive service connection.,Service connection for chronic constipation (IBS) is denied. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis or sufficient evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is denied. There is no evidence of GERD during service and the condition cannot be linked to herbicide agent exposure.,Service connection for cataract of the left eye is denied. The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis or sufficient evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for myasthenia gravis and double vision is granted. There is a current diagnosis and evidence linking it to herbicide agent exposure.

The Veteran's PTSD and IBS were found to not warrant evaluations in excess of the current ratings, but their service connection was remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and his military service. A new examination is required, and a review of existing medical records will be conducted.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted an increased rating of 40 percent effective June 2, 2011. The right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each granted a 20 percent rating effective October 11, 2021. Service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability is also granted.

The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and a 30 percent disability rating for GERD with IBS, effective from June 4, 2018. The low back disability issue was rendered moot by the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS was granted with an effective date of November 25, 2017.,Her claim to reopen her service connection for headaches was granted. The Board found that new and material evidence had been received and the claim could be reopened.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome have been withdrawn. The claim for service connection for fibromyalgia has been remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the diagnosis.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for migraine headaches was denied as the evidence did not show characteristic prostrating attacks.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for IBS was also denied, as there were no indications of constant abdominal distress.

The Board has granted service connection for a right elbow disability and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's left hip condition, right ankle degenerative arthritis, and left ankle tendonitis are granted as secondary to service-connected lower extremity conditions.,Tinnitus is granted as secondary to acoustic trauma in service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, residuals of head trauma (claimed as traumatic brain injury), headaches, memory loss, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Barrett's esophagus, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to March 30, 2017, for service connection have been denied. The Board has also remanded several other issues including service connection and rating determinations.

The Veteran's tension headaches are granted service connection. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, bilateral dry eyes with an allergic component, and obstructive sleep apnea is denied.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and IBS were granted service connection as their onset was during active duty.

The Board has restored entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits, as the Veteran's TDIU was improperly severed.

The Veteran's duodenal ulcer, IBS, and GERD are rated under Diagnostic Code 7305. The Board finds that a remand is warranted due to the lack of adequate VA examination in September 2022 and November 2023.

The Board has granted service connection for OSA and IBS, finding that these conditions are proximately due to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus type II.