IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, finding that both conditions are related to the Veteran's military service. The IBS is considered a qualifying chronic disability due to its manifestation during the presumptive period of service in the Gulf War.

The Veteran's COPD, sleep apnea (secondary to service-connected unspecified anxiety disorder), and myalgia syndrome are now granted with specific disability ratings. The earlier effective dates for myalgia syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome have been denied.

The Veteran's GI disorder, including IBS and GERD, was not incurred in service. The medical evidence does not establish a nexus between the current conditions and his service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding these issues.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on all issues, including those for increased ratings and service connection. The Board dismissed the appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal.

The Veteran's insomnia is associated with her service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus cannot be separately granted.,The Veteran has symptoms consistent with a gastrointestinal disorder but no current diagnosis of such. A new VA medical opinion is needed to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed gastrointestinal disorder.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome has been withdrawn and is dismissed. The Veteran's claim of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sprained ribs and multiple sclerosis has been denied. The Veteran was granted a 10% rating for hypertension.,Additional issues of service connection have been remanded, including those related to seizures, skin disorders, exanthema of the hands, chronic non-pressure ulcers of the lower limbs, scars, TBI, and ataxia.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of her claimed disabilities. The claims will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has directed a VA examination to determine the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disability and his reported 'night sweats'. The remand is due to the failure of the VA to provide an appropriate dermatologist for the requested evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea, hypertension, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and diabetes mellitus based on the presumption of exposure to Gulf War conditions. Service connection was denied for fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), esophageal stricture, a chronic skin disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and nephrolithiasis.

The Board has denied service connection for right hand disability and psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD. The issues of service connection for residuals of sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis (claimed as a positive PPD test), sinusitis, and gastrointestinal disabilities have been remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including anxiety, and a temporary total disability rating based on hospitalization for an acquired psychiatric condition. The case is remanded to obtain updated medical opinions regarding the Veteran's IBS and TDIU.

The Veteran's IBS and right shoulder condition were granted initial ratings. The claims for fibromyalgia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and fatigue are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's IBS disability picture more nearly approximated the 30 percent rating criteria under DC 7319, which is the highest schedular rating available. The Veteran was granted a 30 percent initial disability rating for IBS effective November 5, 2014.,The Veteran's hemorrhoids disability picture more nearly approximated the 10 percent rating criteria under DC 7336. The Veteran was granted a 10 percent initial disability rating for hemorrhoids effective November 5, 2014.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted from August 11, 2016 due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing and maintaining gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for a right shoulder disability, hemorrhoids, IBS, and an unspecified chest and rib condition due to insufficient examination opinions that did not consider the Veteran's subjective reports.

The Veteran's digestive disability, including GERD and IBS, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is found to be aggravated by his service-connected major depressive disorder, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and examination to determine the nature and cause of his claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service.