IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete analysis of service connection for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and objective indications of a disability manifested by diarrhea. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether IBS or any diagnosed gastrointestinal disability is related to the Veteran's in-service Gulf War exposure.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a lack of development regarding whether the gastrointestinal symptoms, including chronic constipation and IBS, are caused or aggravated by service-connected disabilities. The AOJ should obtain an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician to address causation and aggravation.

The Board granted service connection for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, and somatic symptom disorder, as well as presumptive service connection for basal cell carcinoma under the PACT Act. Service connection was denied for chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, right restless leg syndrome, left restless leg syndrome, an increased rating for psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, a left forehead surgical scar, and allergic rhinitis.

The Board granted an effective date of September 2, 2020, for the grant of service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but denied a higher initial rating and TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for annual clothing allowances for a left knee sleeve, A&D ointment, hydrocortisone cream, and incontinence briefs due to lack of service connection or evidence that these items cause irreparable damage to outer garments.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including a head injury, headache disorder, erectile dysfunction, left earache disorder, chronic fatigue, right shoulder disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, right foot disorder, GERD, and left shoulder disorder, as the evidence did not support current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, with the exception of remanding certain issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection, higher ratings, and earlier effective dates, as well as dismissed his claim for a TDIU.

The appeal was withdrawn by the Veteran before the Board promulgated a decision.

The Board granted an effective date of May 29, 2019 for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder but denied earlier effective dates and increased ratings for other conditions.

The Board denied increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, right inguinal hernia, non allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while granting service connection for left knee strain and left leg shin splints.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as there was no competent or credible evidence of a current diagnosis during the appellate period.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as there was no current diagnosis of IBS in the medical records.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder other than IBS and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to an inadequate medical opinion.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and lower back strain to obtain additional medical opinions.

The Board granted an effective date of February 13, 2024 for a 30 percent rating for irritable bowel syndrome.

The appeal for service connection for fibromyalgia was granted with an effective date of August 14, 2023. The appeals for earlier effective dates and higher ratings were denied.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the R(1) rate due to his need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board remands the claims for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's gastrointestinal symptoms and bilateral ankle and foot pain.