IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Veteran seeks service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, which he contends had its origin during his period of active military service. The case is being remanded to provide a VA examination and address the nature and etiology of the claimed condition.

The Veteran's symptoms have been attributed to known clinical diagnoses, and the Board finds that he does not have a chronic disability resulting from an undiagnosed illness or medically unexplained chronic multi-symptom illness related to his service in Southwest Asia.

The Board found that the effective date of December 16, 2005 is the earliest effective date assignable for service connection of a pulmonary condition, claimed as due to asbestos exposure.,Service connection was granted for a gastrointestinal disorder, including irritable bowel syndrome. However, it was determined that this condition is not related to active service or to a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his left ankle disability, irritable bowel syndrome, nonspecific dermatitis of the back (formerly described as vitiligo), and sediment deposits on the brain with enlarged sella turcica and headaches do not warrant a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome were denied. The Board found that the symptoms claimed by the Veteran are not supported by a current diagnosis of CFS or IBS, and that any fatigue experienced is related to his service-connected PTSD with depression.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his personnel file and records of exposure in service or jobs, to include asbestos, herbicides, mustard gas, VX gas, white phosphorous or other caustic chemicals. The Veteran must also be afforded a VA examination.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to adenocarcinoma of the colon, which is not service-connected. The Board found that none of his service-connected conditions caused or contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for IBS, claimed as secondary to his service-connected PTSD, has been denied. The Board found no evidence linking the current condition to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 21, 2007 for the award of service connection for gastrointestinal disorders is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, sinusitis, and facial nerve disability secondary to TMJ surgery are all granted with increased ratings. The appeal for right shoulder sprain, right knee arthritis, IBS, and the postoperative scar is dismissed due to withdrawal of appeals.

The Veteran's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there is no competent and persuasive evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's representative now contends that the Veteran has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) secondary to her service-connected PTSD. The RO did not adjudicate this issue, and a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has IBS and whether it is related to her service-connected PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder and irritable bowel syndrome, both claimed as due to Agent Orange exposure. The Veteran's current conditions are not considered related to his period of service.

The Veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal condition, characterized by hiatal hernia and IBS, is productive of dysphagia, vomiting, nausea, and scapular pain. The rating assigned reflects the severity of these symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his low back injury and associated radiculopathies of the lower extremities, as well as service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), was granted. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining his service personnel records and verifying stressors related to PTSD. A VA psychiatric examination will be conducted to determine the etiology of any diagnosed psychiatric disability, and a VA examination will be conducted to determine the nature and etiology of IBS, sleep disorder, and fibromyalgia.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with history of amebic dysentery is currently rated at 30 percent disabling.,The effective date for the grant of TDIU cannot be earlier than January 31, 2005.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for IBS. The Veteran's in-service diagnosis of IBS, along with post-service diagnoses of probable IBS, supports a finding of service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and IBS, but found that the Veteran's conditions do not warrant higher initial ratings than the currently assigned 30 percent rating.