IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran did not have diabetes mellitus or hypertension to a compensable degree within one year after discharge from service, and thus denied claims for these conditions. The stomach disorder with gastritis, IBS, h.pylori, and GERD was also not shown to be related to service or service-connected disabilities. Service connection for the right shoulder and left shoulder disorders were also denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for injuries to his right clavicle, shoulder, and ribs of the right side of his chest. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to an in-service injury in April 1946.

The Veteran's service-connected paranasal sinus disease and duodenal ulcer with gastroesophageal reflux and irritable bowel syndrome do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide the Veteran with appropriate notice regarding secondary service connection. The VA examiners will need to assess whether any gastrointestinal or back conditions are related to service, including service-connected psychiatric disorders.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is currently rated at 30 percent, the highest available rating under DC 7319 for severe symptoms including alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress. The right knee instability associated with his service-connected conditions remains rated as 20 percent.

The Veteran's service connection claims for mouth ulcers, lower gastrointestinal disability, and pain following bowel movements have been granted. The disabilities are considered to be directly related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's GI disorders, specifically gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), were not shown to be related to his active duty service. The VA examination did not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's alcoholism claim is dismissed. The Board grants service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that the evidence supports a link between the condition and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the evidence does not support an increased rating for his service-connected gastrointestinal disorder or residuals of excision of a ganglion of the right wrist. The hypertension with history of atrial flutter also did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 30 percent evaluation for irritable bowel syndrome was denied as the earliest date of receipt of his claim is March 2, 2007.

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

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address his claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, heart disorder, fibromyalgia, sleep disorder, gastrointestinal disorders, cold injury residuals of the hands and feet. The case will be returned to the Board after further review.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is manifested by diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress, warranting a 30 percent disability rating for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, claimed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the nature and etiology of his current stomach problems.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred from May 6, 2009 through May 8, 2009 at Maine Medical Center were approved due to the emergent nature of his condition and the unavailability of VA facilities that could have provided the necessary care.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS and a gastroesophageal condition was denied as the most credible evidence indicates he does not have these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome is rated at 10 percent prior to August 26, 2008 and at 30 percent from that date. The lumbar spine degenerative joint disease is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's internal injuries, including digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), were not found to be related to service. The issue of an increased rating for PTSD from December 8, 2004 was dismissed due to the Veteran expressing satisfaction with the assigned rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and consideration of all submitted evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a fainting condition, irritable bowel syndrome with chronic constipation, and degenerative changes of the cervical spine is being remanded due to missing VA examinations. The examiner will determine if these conditions are related to service or any other factors.