IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him totally disabled, thus leaving no question of law or fact to decide regarding the TDIU issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including IBS and leakage of stool, due to Gulf War exposure. The remand is in response to an inadequate examination report from November 2019.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability rating for his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease with irritable bowel syndrome is being remanded due to delays in the claims process and the need for a new medical examination.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and Hemorrhoids, as they are related to MST and PTSD. The Veteran will need a new VA examination to determine if he currently has these conditions and whether they are caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeals for various disabilities and benefits have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his representative.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is dismissed as he meets the schedular criteria for a total disability rating due to his service-connected disabilities, but SMC under 38 U.S.C. 1114(s) cannot be awarded based on multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases of service connection for Irritable Bowel Syndrome and an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD. The Veteran's IBS diagnosis is from a private gastroenterologist within one year after separation from service in 1987. The VA examiner will need to determine if the Veteran's subjective symptoms since 2010 support a diagnosis of IBS while his prior symptoms did not. For the acquired psychiatric disorder, the VA examiner will need to identify any current mental health diagnoses and determine their relationship to military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder degenerative joint disease, intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis of the cervical spine, and residuals, fracture of anterolateral ribs #6 and #7.,All three conditions are found to be related to in-service injuries sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS has been granted a rating of 60 percent, effective from January 24, 2020. A separate 10 percent rating for impairment of sphincter control is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for a rash of the groin area, diagnosed as inverse psoriasis. The issue of an initial compensable rating for a back disability prior to April 16, 2020, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter remains pending. Other issues remain remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and low back condition due to a lack of a statement of the case.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for CFS, allergic rhinitis, and bilateral foot toenail fungus have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for the latter condition.,Service connection was denied for CFS, allergic rhinitis, and bilateral foot toenail fungus.

The Veteran's appeal for higher evaluations for her service-connected stomach disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disorder was denied. The Board found that the symptoms did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule, and there was no evidence of exceptional disability requiring extraschedular consideration.

Service connection for IBS is granted as the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by her military service.,Service connection for PTSD is granted based on a diagnosed condition and credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA gastroenterologist to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorder. The claim will be re-adjudicated after this additional development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient opinions regarding service connection and secondary service connection.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with GERD is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, insomnia, IBS, and memory loss due to a lack of evidence regarding the onset or causation of these conditions during his military service. The appellant contends that he developed these conditions as a result of vaccinations received in service.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's IBS disability had its onset during active duty or is otherwise related to his service. As a result, service connection for IBS is granted.

The Board denied entitlement to an initial rating higher than 20 percent for service-connected lumbar sprain, and noncompensable ratings for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and hypertension.