IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for irritable bowel syndrome with peptic ulcer and patellofemoral syndrome, right knee were denied. The Veteran was not granted a separate compensable evaluation for instability of the right knee.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current gastrointestinal disorder, best characterized as IBS, had its onset in service and grants service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected hiatal hernia and GERD have been rated at the highest available rating of 30 percent, effective from April 2008. The Board has added issues for IBS and scars as part of this appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD renders him so helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for hypertension. However, before the merits of that claim and the remaining claims on appeal may be adjudicated, additional development is required due to the need for a new VA examination for his sleep disorder and GERD with IBS.

The Veteran's peritoneal adhesions with IBS disability has been rated at 30 percent since April 7, 2007.

The July 6, 2006 decision denied service connection for various conditions including depression, tinnitus, stroke, colon cancer, gastrointestinal problems (irritable bowel syndrome), and Type II diabetes mellitus. The Board found no clear and unmistakable error in this decision.

The Veteran's IBS is currently rated at 10 percent after June 2, 2008 and at 30 percent from October 9, 2014. The Board finds that the current ratings adequately reflect his disability picture.

The Board found that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction does not warrant a compensable rating due to no deformity of the penis. For IBS, the evidence did not demonstrate more than mild symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board finds that the Veteran's irritable bowel disorder, diagnosed as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, underwent an increase in severity during his period of service from May 2008 to February 2009. Therefore, it is at least as likely as not that this condition was incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome was incurred during active service, and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's right ovarian cyst was diagnosed during service and has resulted in atrophy of an ovary. Service connection is granted.,No definite diagnosis of a cyst of the cervix was made during or after service. Service connection is denied.,Current complaints of pelvic pain are attributable to extensive adhesion disease of the pelvis and omentum, unrelated to service. Service connection is denied.,Gas, bloating, and abdominal pain are at least as likely as not related to a service-connected gastrointestinal disorder (IBS). Service connection is granted.,No current chronic cervical spine disability has been diagnosed; the Veteran's cervical strains are episodic, acute injuries. Service connection is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is currently non-compensable as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7101.,The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, combined with his non-service-connected back and joint conditions, has rendered him unemployable. However, this determination is based on his non-service-connected disabilities rather than solely on his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance, as he requires assistance with daily activities such as feeding himself, keeping himself clean, and protecting himself from environmental hazards.

The Veteran's urinary incontinence is rated at 40 percent, and the Board has granted a higher rating of 60 percent based on his need to change absorbent materials more than four times per day due to urine leakage.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals, and the case is dismissed without prejudice.

The Veteran's IBS symptoms have been manifest since March 10, 1998. An effective date of March 10, 1998 for the grant of service connection for IBS is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing and to issue a Statement of the Case regarding his claims.

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD, IBS, ED, and hypertension are secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and treatment records. The case will be reconsidered after these are obtained.