IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the current 10 percent ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities are appropriate.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and an anxiety disorder characterized by insomnia are being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various gastrointestinal and psychiatric conditions, as well as a crushed right foot with bone spur, are granted.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities as these conditions are not caused or aggravated by service-connected disabilities.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of his gastrointestinal system, as diagnostic testing was not completed in the past few years and he reported ongoing symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for GERD with irritable bowel syndrome was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The Veteran's hydrocephalus claim, which is related to GERD, also failed to establish service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastrointestinal disability, including gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including beriberi, dysentery, malnutrition, intestinal parasitism, peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and a psychiatric disability. The Board also denied his claim for an increased rating for pulmonary tuberculosis with bronchiectasis.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is productive of alternating diarrhea and constipation with more or less constant abdominal distress, meeting the criteria for a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for IBS and right long finger fracture have been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no evidence of a chronic disability manifested by gastrointestinal problems, sleep impairment, joint pain (other than fibromyalgia), or low back disability that was incurred in active service.,There are no objective indications of chronic disabilities resulting from undiagnosed illnesses or medically unexplained multisymptom illnesses.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, erectile dysfunction, and residuals of an injury to the ribs are at least as likely as not related to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that an effective date prior to September 20, 2007 for the award of a 10% evaluation for irritable bowel syndrome is denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of multiple joints, including the neck and ribs, hypertension, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder). The appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, as well as a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his PTSD and IBS.

The Veteran's IBS was rated at 10 percent prior to January 19, 2008. Since then, the disability has been rated at 30 percent due to more or less constant abdominal distress and stomach bloating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a colon disorder, including as due to herbicide exposure, is being remanded for additional development and consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's gastrointestinal disorders, including gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine the current severity of his service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease and irritable bowel syndrome, currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being deferred as additional development and resolution of other disability claims are needed. The effective date for service connection will be determined once the RO completes the necessary actions.