IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD and IBS preclude him from securing and following substantial gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU effective July 15, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for a left wrist scar, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are being remanded due to procedural errors in the initial decision. The AOJ is instructed to provide VCAA notice and assist in obtaining any relevant private treatment records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for IBS and a headache condition, including migraine headaches due to incomplete information in the record.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to inadequate examinations and failure to consider changes in rating criteria over time.

The Veteran is granted SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o) and additional monthly allowance based on need for regular aid and attendance (SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(1)). However, she does not meet the criteria for higher level of care needed (SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(r)(2)).

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection of right knee chronic osteoarthritis, diverticulitis due to an undiagnosed illness, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to an undiagnosed illness because the appellant withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected restless leg syndrome and gastrointestinal disorder have been denied.,Service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, claimed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), has also been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran was not precluded from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities prior to February 10, 2020.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a stomach condition (IBS) and related issues of right toe and left foot conditions is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia and GERD were initially rated at 30 percent prior to November 17, 2016. Beginning on that date, the rating was increased to 60 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination opinions and a need for additional development regarding the Veteran's claimed gastrointestinal disorder.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating on his right ankle sprain was withdrawn during the August 2021 hearing.,Claims for hypertension and ED, both secondary to PTSD, were denied in November 2016. No new evidence has been submitted that could reopen these claims.,Claims for left knee condition and right knee condition were also denied in December 2016. Again, no new evidence has been submitted that could reopen these claims.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for his right ankle sprain rating was denied.,Service connection for IBS was granted.,Service connection for fibromyalgia was denied.,A 20 percent disability rating, but no higher, was granted for the left ankle condition. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating based on this appeal.,The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen claims of service connection for numbness, muscle and joint pain, migraines, memory loss, and lower back conditions.,Claims for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were also remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and further development is needed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and hemorrhoids. The decision found that there is no current diagnosis of gastroenteritis or IBS, and that the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent.,The Veteran's combined psychiatric disorders are currently rated at 30 percent, and there is no evidence to support a higher rating based on occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine and irritable bowel syndrome have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. His TDIU claim is granted from September 13, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any gastrointestinal disability, including IBS. The Veteran's service records show complaints related to stomach or intestinal trouble during active duty and National Guard service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraines, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD with TBI (PTSD) have been granted. The effective date for these grants is February 9, 2017. Additionally, the Veteran's claim of service connection for IBS has also been granted, but an earlier effective date was not awarded due to lack of evidence prior to February 9, 2017. The reduction in rating for sinusitis from 10% to zero percent effective June 23, 2021 is upheld.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the failure to appear for scheduled VA examinations, lack of notification of private treatment records, and incomplete information regarding stressors. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional details about his claimed stressors and complete forms for obtaining private medical records.

The Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits was denied as he does not have an employment handicap and is therefore not in need of rehabilitation.