IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

PTSD was initially granted with a 30% evaluation prior to September 5, 2012. The Veteran's PTSD has since been increased to 50% from September 5, 2012 to February 2, 2017 and to 70% thereafter.,PTSD remains at a maximum of 70% on or after February 2, 2017.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing service treatment records and VA examinations to address the nature and etiology of her left knee disability, gastrointestinal (GI) condition(s), and PTSD.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lower gastrointestinal disorder other than IBS, an extraschedular rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine disability, and TDIU as of March 21, 2014. The evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of IBS, right hip arthritis, and chronic groin pain (claimed as sore joints), finding no legal entitlement to such.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU due to the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities, including ischemic heart disease, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus type II, cold injury, irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids. The effective date for this decision is February 11, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, IBS, gout, tinnitus, lumbar spine disc disease, and a right shoulder disability, have led to significant employment challenges. The proposed vocational rehabilitation plan does not include obtaining a Master’s Degree as it is deemed not reasonably feasible given the Veteran's current circumstances.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 and from January 4, 2011 to January 30, 2011 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for service connection for neck disability, irritable bowel syndrome, and tinnitus requires additional development due to incomplete records and need for medical opinions.

The Veteran's PTSD with mild depression has been rated at 70 percent since February 3, 2012. The Board also granted a TDIU from November 1, 2014.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to clarify whether the Veteran has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and, if so, whether it is related to her service in Southwest Asia during the Persian Gulf War Era.

The Veteran's private medical care was not authorized by VA in advance and does not meet the statutory requirements for reimbursement.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's GERD and IBS are due to his active service, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied service connection for acid reflux, right shoulder disability including arthritis, and chest injury. The Veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence of record.,There is no direct evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and verifying exposure to Agent Orange. A VA examination is also required.

The Veteran's disability ratings were reduced from 40 percent to 10 percent for lumbosacral paravertebral myositis, effective June 1, 2011. The reduction was found to be proper as there had been no actual improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's claims were denied across multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions and ratings for existing disabilities. The appeals are not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, joint pain, muscle cramps, and a skin disability is granted. The claims for irritable bowel syndrome, memory loss, and bilateral hand disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's IBS was rated at 30 percent effective June 13, 2016.

The Veteran's IBS was not incurred during service and is not otherwise related to his service. The Board found the Veteran's current contentions regarding experiencing cramping and constipation during active duty service from January to May 1991 to be less credible than the contemporaneous records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a diagnosed condition for IBS or residuals of a left foot injury, and therefore service connection cannot be granted.