IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Veteran's stomach condition is likely aggravated by his service-connected PTSD. His PTSD has been manifested by occupational and social impairment due to mild or transient symptoms, but not the severe impairment required for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's GERD with Barrett's esophagus and IBS symptoms have worsened since December 7, 2009, warranting a 30 percent disability rating effective from that date.

The Veteran's PTSD has been rated at 70 percent since December 25, 2008. He is granted a TDIU based solely on his PTSD and also qualifies for SMC at the housebound rate effective December 25, 2008.

The Veteran was awarded SMC at the R-1 rate for purposes of accrued benefits due to his need for regular aid and attendance, as well as loss of use of both hands from service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's focal colitis associated with irritable bowel syndrome, ileocecal polypoid colitis, nonspecific proctocolitis and early diverticulosis, hiatal hernia, and gall bladder dysfunction has been rated at 30 percent since April 1, 2005 to November 16, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing assistance or a special home adaptation grant due to her overall disability picture and lack of impairment in locomotion.

The Board found that the Veteran likely has peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities that is attributable to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, which was granted.

The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine was rated at 60 percent prior to August 6, 2012. From that date forward, he is rated at 40 percent for his DDD and separately at 20 percent each for neurological manifestations in both lower extremities.

The Veteran's service-connected IBS did not cause his ventral hernia, and he is not otherwise in receipt of service connection for recurrent ventral hernias. The Board finds that the etiology of this claimed disability is too complex a medical question to be answered by a layperson.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 70 percent disabling, effective July 20, 2012. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for his anxiety disorder or any of the other conditions listed.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and denied the remaining issues of service connection. The Veteran is now service connected for a mood disorder, but not for chloracne, psoriasis, IBS, hearing loss, tinnitus, fibromyalgia, or residuals of frostbite.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current gastrointestinal disorder related to service, and the VA examiner opined that the Veteran's headaches do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is currently rated at 30 percent, effective prior to April 3, 2013. After this date, the highest schedular rating available for his condition has been assigned.

The Veteran's gastrointestinal condition is found to be secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorders, specifically PTSD and major depressive disorder. His current rating for these conditions remains at 50 percent.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is rated at 10 percent since June 17, 2006. The appeal for a higher initial rating prior to March 18, 2009 was granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome was not present in service and is not related to service or a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS, which is secondary to his service-connected posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has been granted. The Board found that the PTSD proximately caused the IBS.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, including symptoms due to an undiagnosed illness, was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis and the condition is not related to his military service.,Service connection for right-sided deviated nasal septum with external nasal deformity was granted but the Veteran appealed the compensable rating. The claim remains pending.

The Veteran's service connection claims for erectile dysfunction, irritable bowel syndrome, and GERD have been denied. The Veteran was granted a 30% rating for his sleep disorder secondary to his service-connected generalized anxiety disorder with depressive disorder.