IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2026

The Veteran's IBS is granted with a 30 percent rating. His left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are both found to be secondary to his service-connected low back disability, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Veteran's hypertension is remanded due to inadequate examination. Service connection for bilateral hip conditions is also remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease and migraine headaches have been dismissed due to the dismissal of a duplicate appeal stream. The Board is remanding the claim for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for migraine headaches.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of January 13, 2011 for the increased ratings of IBS (from noncompensable to 30%), Fibromyalgia (from noncompensable to 40%), and CFS (from noncompensable to 60%).

The Veteran's IBS and tension headaches have been granted increased ratings of 30 percent each, effective from the date of the decision. The claim for service connection has also been readjudicated due to new evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for groin, left knee, GERD, IBS, and left lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors. The Veteran must undergo VA examinations and obtain medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a failure to obtain a VA examination and medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's gastrointestinal signs or symptoms are related to his active service. The Veteran is a Persian Gulf Veteran with TERA exposure during this service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for alcohol use disorder is granted. The claims for bilateral hearing loss, chronic fatigue syndrome, dermatosis of the face, neck, and arms, and chronic sinusitis are denied. Service connection for PTSD is granted at a maximum rating. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and hypertension is denied. Service connection for allergic rhinitis is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's IBS.

The Veteran's liver cirrhosis is rated at 70 percent, effective May 14, 2023. The rating is for the condition that is considered the predominant digestive system disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for IBS and GERD, as there was a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not considering the ameliorative effects of medication on his symptoms. The AOJ will consider any additional evidence submitted when the claims are readjudicated.

The Board granted a TDIU from June 21, 2021, to April 8, 2022, but denied the claim for prior to that date due to the Veteran's ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's low back strain is rated at 40 percent, and the issues of IBS and CFS are dismissed. The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder with a major depressive episode do not meet criteria for a higher rating. Service connection is granted for cervical strain and right knee pain.

The Veteran's headaches are granted as service connection is established due to a current diagnosis and in-service event.,Service connection for fatigue is denied as the Veteran's fatigue is already compensated by his service-connected PTSD.,Service connection for IBS is denied as there is no current diagnosis of IBS at any time during the appeal period.,The Veteran's GERD claim is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and service connection was denied. His IBS is rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating under current criteria. Other issues such as CFS, chronic sinusitis, and a left ankle disability were also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as there was no evidence showing a nexus between his current IBS and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for dermatitis, bilateral foot pain, pharyngitis, rhinitis, and stomach/irritable bowel syndrome are being remanded due to inadequate examinations. The AOJ will schedule new examinations and consider the evidence of record.

The Veteran's IBS is at least as likely as not related to his service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, specifically during his Gulf War deployment. The Board has granted service connection for IBS.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to failure to appear for a VA examination. The claim for tinnitus was granted as the Veteran reported experiencing symptoms during and after service. The Veteran's post vagotomy gastric surgery syndrome with pyloroplasty, duodenal ulcer and IBS was evaluated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7348.

The Veteran's claim for restoration of a 40 percent rating for his lumbar spine disability is granted, effective October 1, 2025. The claim for a higher rating than 40 percent and service connection for IBS secondary to the lumbar spine disability are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of fibromyalgia, IBS, or bilateral hearing loss during the period on review. Service connection is granted for tinnitus but denied for other conditions.