IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of intestinal surgery, including abdominal adhesions and gall bladder removal; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); a disability of the anus and rectum; rating in excess of 40 percent for duodenal ulcer disease; and compensable rating for residual scar from post-vagotomy and pyloroplasty must be remanded due to incomplete STRs, need for additional medical opinions, and need for VA examinations.

The Board has determined that there is not substantial compliance with its prior remand instructions regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection and an increased rating. Therefore, these matters are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome, both of which are considered qualifying chronic disabilities due to the Veteran's Gulf War service. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of left ankle sprain and service connection for irritable bowel syndrome were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for the left ankle sprain, as there was no evidence of marked limitation of motion. For IBS, the Board noted that the evidence did not establish a proximate relationship to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's IBS and bilateral CTS have been granted initial ratings of 30 percent, the schedular maximum. The decision is based on severe symptoms with alternating diarrhea and constipation for IBS, and moderate incomplete paralysis for both upper extremity CTS.

The Veteran's tension headaches are currently rated as noncompensable, but the Board finds that a compensable rating of 30 percent is warranted based on her characteristic prostrating attacks occurring more than once a month.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for IBS has been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's IBS and GERD have been rated at a maximum of 60 percent throughout the appeal period, with symptoms including frequent episodes of bowel disturbances, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, heartburn, and regurgitation.

The Board has decided to remand the claims of service connection for back condition, RLE radiculopathy, acquired psychiatric condition, and IBS due to additional development being needed. The Veteran's lay statements regarding the onset and continuity of his symptoms are not considered in the current medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to render her unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment from June 5, 2020. The Board finds that the combined effects of her major depressive disorder with PTSD, chronic cough, and irritable bowel syndrome preclude her from obtaining or maintaining gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee disability, IBS, and right groin strain to obtain a medical opinion regarding their etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by him and a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining SSA records. The VA hearing loss claim is also remanded as there was no VA examination provided.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by him and a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining SSA records. The VA hearing loss claim is also remanded as there was no VA examination provided.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent for GERD status post esophageal diverticulotomy and Heller myotomy with Dor fundoplication and IBS with lactase deficiency syndrome.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by him and a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining SSA records. The VA hearing loss claim is also remanded as there was no VA examination provided.

Service connection is granted for fibromyalgia with fatigue and headaches (minor/dull).,Service connection is denied for a separate disability manifesting as fatigue.

The Veteran's PTSD and right knee disability have been granted a 100 percent rating, and he is receiving SMC based on housebound status for the entire appeal period. The TDIU claim has been mooted as his PTSD alone meets the criteria.

The Veteran's PTSD to include alcohol use disorder in remission and anxiety is rated at 70 percent, effective January 16, 2018.,The Veteran's fibromyalgia with diffuse chronic musculoskeletal pain, insertional pain syndrome is rated at 40 percent, effective April 20, 2016.,The Veteran's IBS associated with PTSD is not entitled to a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The main issues are related to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including depression, and various other conditions such as right shoulder degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine strain, hip strains, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), positional vertigo, coccydynia, knee patellar tendonitis, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are being considered for their impact on these issues.

The Veteran's thoracic outlet syndrome, with left upper extremity nerve involvement has been granted an increased evaluation of 40 percent since September 5, 2017. The effective date for this increase is based on the date of his claim for increase.