IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma and increased ratings for fibromyalgia, GERD with duodenitis and IBS, and chronic adjustment disorder with depressed mood were denied. The Board found that the evidence was against a finding of direct service connection for glaucoma and concluded that the Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for fibromyalgia or an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for GERD with duodenitis and IBS.

The Veteran's claims for bipolar disorder, GERD, IBS, and bilateral hearing loss were denied as there is no evidence of a direct relationship to service or service-connected conditions. The Board found that the Veteran did not provide sufficient cooperation during VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD related to his military service and thus cannot establish service connection. For IBS, the claim is remanded as there are outstanding VA treatment records from 2014 onwards.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and issuing a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding the issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 50 percent for anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation for convalescence following hernia repair surgery is being remanded due to the need for clarification or a new examination regarding the relationship between his service-connected irritable bowel syndrome and the hernia.

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at 10 percent since May 22, 2013 and the Board finds that a higher rating of 30 percent is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, was reopened and granted. The Board found that the preponderance of evidence shows that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of PTSD for VA purposes. Service connection is also granted for sleep apnea, right foot hammertoes, left foot hammertoes, skin disorder (including elbows, knees, and hands), IBS, and GERD.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete VA treatment records and a need for another examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's claimed disability.

The Veteran's initial ratings for IBS, Allergic Rhinosinusitis, Major Depressive Disorder with Anxiety Disorder prior to December 9, 2010, and Hypertension have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to a TDIU. Service connection has not been established for the respiratory condition, right knee disability, or hypothyroidism.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is presumed service connected, his hearing loss does not meet VA criteria for a disability rating, and he was granted a 10% rating for GERD.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA medical examination to determine if the Veteran's elbow disabilities and gastrointestinal symptoms are related to his service in Southwest Asia, including as due to an undiagnosed illness. The claims will be re-adjudicated after the examination.

The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that the evidence was in equipoise as to whether it is manifested by moderate symptomatology with frequent episodes of bowel disturbance and abdominal distress. The claimant's in-service symptoms are considered, along with her current complaints, leading to a favorable decision.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an addendum medical opinion regarding the relationship between the Veteran's service-connected urinary frequency disability and her claimed Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and issues, including service connection claims for various health problems. The Board has scheduled a Travel Board hearing to address these matters.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for obesity, bilateral hearing loss, and IBS has been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities related to these conditions or their development in service.

Service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist is reopened, and a 30 percent evaluation for post-operative residuals of cholecystectomy with IBS is granted prior to June 29, 2010. The effective date for these determinations has not been established.

The Veteran's digestive disorder and hysterectomy residuals are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, memory loss, and migraine headaches due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disability, diagnosed as functional bowel disorder, was first manifested during service and is considered to be related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is related to service and granted service connection for this condition.