IBS & irritable bowel decisions — 2026

Service connection for IBS is granted. The claims for initial increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right knee meniscal tear, and PTSD are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS as there is no current diagnosis of IBS and the evidence does not support a finding that it began during or was caused by service.

The Veteran withdrew their appeal for all issues related to service connection and increased rating claims. The Board dismissed the appeals due to the withdrawal.

The Veteran's migraine headache disability is granted service connection. The other conditions are denied as there is no current evidence of these disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and sinusitis as there is no objective evidence of these conditions during the review period.

The Veteran's IBS was found to have begun during his active duty service and is etiologically related, thus granting service connection for IBS.

The Board has granted service connection for diverticulitis, gastritis, GERD, IBS, and kidney stones (presumed due to Camp Lejeune exposure), but denied service connection for a liver disability.

The Veteran's initial 10 percent disability rating for IBS is granted. The issues of increased disability ratings for various hand and hip conditions are withdrawn.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error and remands the case for further action.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral flat feet, plantar fasciitis and hallux valgus, hearing loss, psychiatric disabilities, nerve damage, eye disability, and IBS. The decision found that there was no evidence of permanent aggravation of preexisting conditions during service.

The Veteran's appeal regarding his eligibility for the Program for Comprehensive Assistance for Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to inadequate notice and compliance with regulatory requirements. The Board will adjudicate whether he meets criteria for personal care services, best interests of participation, and other pertinent criteria.

The Veteran's small bowel obstruction, status post resection of small intestine, with IBS, is rated at the maximum 50 percent under Diagnostic Code 7301. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the claim for SMC based on aid and attendance due to a pre-decisional error in not considering evidence submitted by the Veteran within the applicable evidentiary window. The AOJ is required to obtain an opinion from an appropriate clinician regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for A&A.

The Veteran's digestive conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome, are granted a restoration of a 60 percent rating effective March 27, 2023. Service connection for migraines is also granted.

The Board has remanded the cases of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for further development. The effective date for service connection of irritable bowel syndrome remains denied.

The Veteran's IBS was granted an initial rating of 10 percent prior to May 19, 2024 and a higher rating of 20 percent from that date. The Board found the evidence did not support ratings in excess of these levels.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for liver condition, gastrointestinal condition (including IBS and diverticular disease of the colon), and erectile dysfunction.,There is no evidence showing a current disability or in-service incurrence related to these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for erectile dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome were denied. The Board found that service connection is not warranted for these conditions due to lack of a current diagnosis. The Veteran's claims for obstructive sleep apnea and diabetes mellitus type II are remanded as the VA examiner did not address causation or aggravation by his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various conditions due to a failure to notify the Veteran of his right to a hearing before the AOJ prior to issuance of an initial decision on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS and diverticulitis were rated at the maximum 30 percent disability rating prior to January 12, 2023. The evidence did not show that she was unable to work due to her GI disability alone.