IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Veteran was granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, but denied service connection for a skin disorder and left foot disorders due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder (IBS) and denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the Veteran's IBS is related to her service in the Gulf War, while her back condition is not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for service connection for an intestinal disorder, and the Board has dismissed the appeal without prejudice.

The Board has denied service connection for IBS and GERD, finding no chronic gastrointestinal disability at any point during the appeal period. The effective date of August 9, 2007, for the award of service connection for a back disability is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS, residuals of head trauma, and diverticulosis have been adjudicated. The claim for IBS secondary to GERD was granted, the claim for residuals of head trauma was denied, and the claim for diverticulosis was granted.

The Veteran's IBS is currently rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating under the schedular criteria. His headaches are rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of shingles, diagnosed as post-herpetic neuralgia over the back and the left posterior area between the 4th and 6th ribs. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is also found to be related to her military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and hypertension, including opinions regarding potential service connection based on exposure to herbicides (Agent Orange) or other theories.

The Veteran's GERD, IBS and status post-cholecystectomy are already rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Veteran's major depressive disorder is not shown to warrant a higher rating during any period on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus, left and right calcaneal spurs, hemorrhoids, and irritable bowel syndrome with diverticulitis have been rated as noncompensable (0 percent) since September 1, 2009. The Board has determined that a higher initial disability rating of 10 percent is warranted for the calcaneal spur disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, psychosis, major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, schizoaffective disorder, borderline personality disorder, dysthymic disorder, and polysubstance dependence. The Veteran also received a grant of service connection for secondary stomach disorder. However, the claim for bilateral hearing loss remains pending.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for chronic fatigue syndrome as due to an undiagnosed illness with migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia from 100% to 60% was not proper. The reduction of her low back disability rating from 20% to 10% was found to be proper.

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at 30% since the initial grant of service connection, reflecting severe symptoms including frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with service connection established for arthritis of the left hip. The Board found that his left hip disability is related to service and resolved doubt in his favor.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including updated employment and educational history, VA treatment records, and a comprehensive examination to determine the severity of her service-connected disabilities and their impact on her employability.

The Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disorder with dyspepsia, predominantly manifested by GERD and IBS symptoms, warrants a 30 percent disability rating from December 27, 2007 to July 7, 2010.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for service connection and increased ratings in various conditions, with some issues resulting in new and material evidence being submitted.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome was manifested by severe symptoms from June 3, 2013, but the effective date for a 30% rating is granted as of June 3, 2014.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and service treatment records. The Veteran's IBS and hemorrhoids are being evaluated to determine if they are related to his service-connected condition or incurred during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is not related to her active military service and therefore denied her claim for service connection.