IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Board has granted the Veteran's TDIU and SMC at the housebound (s-1) rate effective February 4, 2010. The decision is based on the combined effects of multiple service-connected disabilities, with fibromyalgia being the single disability that renders the Veteran unemployable.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, migraine headaches, thoracolumbar spine disability, and other conditions, render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a TDIU from January 12, 2005.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of PTSD, lumbar arthritis, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and irritable bowel syndrome were denied as there was no evidence of a claim prior to May 16, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracic spine disability is at least as likely as not incurred during service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The issue of gastroenteritis remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The TDIU claim is held in abeyance until these issues are resolved.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and gastrointestinal disability, to include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a current diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome and his symptoms were attributed to his service-connected psychiatric disorder and fibromyalgia. His claim for IBS remains pending as there is no evidence of record linking it to service.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a disability rating of 70 percent, effective from May 5, 2009 to July 25, 2013. The Veteran's other claims have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for IBS, finding that the Veteran's current IBS is likely related to his military service. Service connection was denied for GERD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records, conduct VA examinations, and ensure all development actions have been completed.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings was withdrawn. The Board found that the Veteran's tension headaches most closely approximated a 30 percent disability rating, based on characteristic prostrating attacks occurring once per month over several months. For his right ankle sprain with mild degenerative joint disease and arthritis of both knees, he is currently rated at 10 percent each.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, conducting a VA examination to assess the severity of his IBS, and determining whether his hemorrhoids are related to service or aggravated by his service-connected IBS.

The Board found that the Veteran's IBS did not manifest in service or within one year of separation and is not otherwise attributed to service. The upper respiratory disorder was not related to GERD.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of all his claims on appeal, and the Board has dismissed them.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of service connection for right upper extremity radiculopathy, gall bladder polyps, sprained ribs, and an initial compensable rating for hypertension.

The Board has granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as the Veteran's preexisting IBS was aggravated by active duty. The Board found no evidence of worsening in her STRs and thus did not find clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of aggravation.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD, hiatal hernia, and IBS have been rated at 10 percent since December 1, 2007. The RO has granted a 30 percent rating for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his inability to attend the scheduled videoconference hearing at the RO. His back disability caused him to seek emergency room treatment.

The Veteran's service-connected GERD and IBS do not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current gastrointestinal disability, including whether it is related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals for increased ratings on all three issues: irritable bowel syndrome, lumbar spine disability, and allergic rhinitis. As a result, the Board dismisses these claims.