IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected gastrointestinal disability, specifically status post colon resection with irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis, is denied as the condition already meets the maximum 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7329. However, a separate 10 percent rating is granted for occasional fecal incontinence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a chronic eye disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, an acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD), COPD, emphysema, a chronic lung disability based on asbestos exposure, residuals of a back injury, IBS, or a psychosis in service.,The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence linking any claimed conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a gastrointestinal disorder, including irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and gastroparesis, is granted due to the presumption of service connection under 38 C.F.R. § 3.317(a)(2)(i)(B).

The Veteran's GERD with NSAID colitis has been rated at 30 percent since the appeal period began, reflecting severe symptoms including persistent regurgitation and sleep disturbances.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS and GERD have been rated at 30 percent since August 25, 2008.

The Veteran has withdrawn all his appeals, including those for increased ratings and service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and issuance of a Statement of the Case on the issue of service connection for primary hyperparathyroidism status post parathyroidectomy.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal seeking a rating in excess of 50 percent for anxiety disorder, not otherwise specified (mixed anxiety depressive disorder).

The Veteran's IBS has been productive of diarrhea, alternating diarrhea and constipation, and more or less constant abdominal distress. The Board found that the criteria for a disability rating of 30 percent for IBS have been met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his cataracts, Crohn's disease (alternatively claimed as ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal disease, and irritable bowel), bladder disability, stroke, and follicle center cell lymphoma. The AOJ will also schedule VA examinations for the Veteran to determine the severity of his follicle center cell lymphoma and anemia.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including schizoaffective disorder and migraine headaches, have met the percentage requirements for a TDIU from January 15, 2008 to August 31, 2015. The evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether her service-connected psychiatric disorders prevented her from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's GERD and IBS were not found to warrant increased ratings prior to August 31, 2011. After that date, the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 30 percent for his combined condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected irritable bowel syndrome, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia and chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease have been rated at 30 percent since April 24, 2008. The Board finds that the symptoms do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and determining if additional development is needed. The TDIU claim will be reconsidered based on this new information.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a digestive disorder, including GERD and IBS, secondary to his service-connected pelvic fracture with left sacroiliac joint dysfunction is being remanded for additional development.

For the entire initial rating period from April 9, 2012, the service-connected IBS has more nearly approximated severe symptoms, including alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress. The Veteran's claim for a higher initial disability rating is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability other than chronic gastritis, to include IBS, and for degenerative arthritis with patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee. The Veteran is entitled to an SOC regarding his claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis with patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee.

The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for IBS was denied as the earliest date of entitlement is March 8, 2013.,PTSD ratings were denied with a staged rating from September 18, 2012.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various orthopedic disabilities, are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between his active service and these conditions.