IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroesophageal reflux disease/hiatal hernia, diverticulosis/diverticulitis, and irritable bowel syndrome, were not shown to have had their onset in service or within one year of service. The VA examiner opined that the conditions are less likely than not incurred in or caused by active service.

The Veteran's IBS is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 7319. The abdominal hernia and scars are not entitled to increased ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, a skin disorder, and a GI disorder other than GERD or IBS have all been denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a rash on the arms and legs, stomach disorder (including gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome), and PTSD have all been denied. The Board found no current disability related to these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and conflicting medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IBS disability does not present an exceptional or unusual disability picture warranting an extraschedular evaluation, and therefore denies a claim for an extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at a 30 percent disability rating since June 25, 2012.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for post-operative residuals of right elbow calcification and hemorrhoids, status post hemorrhoidectomy. The TDIU claim was also denied as it pertained to a period prior to May 4, 2006.

The Board granted the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for the award of a TDIU and eligibility for DEA benefits, both effective March 18, 2007.

The Board has granted service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, specifically gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), finding that the Veteran's current diagnosis of GERD is directly related to his in-service symptoms and recurrent since service. The Board also found that it was at least as likely as not that the GERD began during service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including verifying his duty status and obtaining private medical records. A VA examination will be conducted to determine the etiology of his claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's IBS was granted service connection. The status of his GERD and Sleep Apnea claims is pending further development.,VA needs to provide the Veteran with a VA examination to determine if his GERD and Sleep Apnea are related to active duty or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral knee pains, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and related conditions are granted. Service connection is also granted for fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease have been rated at 30 percent since February 5, 2013. The current rating adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's IBS with GERD is rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Board finds that his disability picture does not rise to considerable health impairment.,The Veteran has multiple service-connected disabilities including an anxiety disorder and interstitial cystitis, resulting in a combined rating of 80%. He meets the minimum schedular criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's IBS is granted as a presumptive disability due to his service in the Southwest Asia Theater of operations during the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of the submitted evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including obtaining additional VA treatment records, arranging for new examinations, and considering whether staged ratings are appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left arm numbness and fractured collarbone and ribs are not service-connected as they did not occur during his active duty service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence showing a direct relationship to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or being permanently housebound.