IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Veteran's gastroesophageal disability, including irritable bowel syndrome and hiatal hernia, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the symptoms are consistent with a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic diarrhea and a right shoulder disability. The Veteran's current diagnoses are at least as likely as not related to his active military service.

The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected IBS, gastroenteritis and GERD with dysphagia and odynophagia. The case is being remanded due to the need for a current VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for irritable bowel syndrome (claimed as ulcerative colitis) prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder) and found that the Veteran's anxiety disorder is as likely as not to have had its clinical onset during his period of active duty for training. The Board also found that the irritable bowel syndrome is a manifestation of the service-connected anxiety disorder.

The Veteran's tuberculosis is being reviewed for service connection, and the secondary conditions of hypertension, peyronie's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, skin condition, and depression are dependent on the outcome of this review.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and requests for additional information. The Veteran's claims for fungal infections of the feet and irritable bowel syndrome are still under review.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a hearing at the RO.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current migraine headache or irritable bowel syndrome disability separate from her service-connected fibromyalgia. Her symptoms of headaches and IBS are considered part of her fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his gastroduodenitis and any relationship between his service-connected condition and his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for IBS prior to May 6, 2011, was denied. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent for IBS after May 6, 2011, remains on appeal.,The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for IBS was also denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding all issues, including service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and claims to reopen service connection for muscle pain and cramps, sinus infection, fatigue, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's IBS and bladder disability are proximately due to her service-connected organic mood disorder, resolving all reasonable doubt in her favor.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and gastrointestinal disorder (other than IBS) to include as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's right ear hearing loss is considered aggravated by service, while his left ear hearing loss is deemed a current disability incurred in service.

The Veteran's IBS is currently evaluated as 30 percent disabling, which approximates the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is presumed to have been incurred during his service in the Persian Gulf War, and has manifested to a degree of at least 10 percent. The claim for service connection is therefore granted.

The Veteran's folliculitis barbae of the face and neck was granted service connection in September 1999 with an effective date of April 23, 1981. The Veteran's PTSD was granted service connection in May 2000 with an effective date of December 23, 1998. The Veteran's IBS was granted service connection in November 2003 with an effective date of June 20, 2000.,The Board has determined that the earlier effective dates for folliculitis barbae of the face and neck (April 23, 1981), PTSD (December 23, 1998), and IBS (June 20, 2000) are granted.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including service connection for various conditions, a rating for irritable bowel syndrome, and TDIU. The case is being remanded to obtain necessary examinations and development.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and IBS, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's GERD with IBS and hiatal hernia is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 7346. The symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.