IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Veteran's IBS has been rated at 30 percent since the grant of service connection, which is the highest rating available under Diagnostic Code 7319. The RO will continue to assign this rating as it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claim for payment of unauthorized medical expenses for a period of hospitalization at North Fulton Regional Medical Center from April 6, 2007 to May 15, 2007 is denied as he had coverage under a health plan contract and therefore reimbursement was not permitted.

The Veteran's residuals of resection of the 9th and 10th ribs have been granted a 10 percent rating, effective from the date of claim. The compensable rating is for his residual scar on the left side of the chest extending up to the left upper back.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoporosis, as well as increased ratings for existing disabilities. The case is being remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of new evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, depression, IBS, and hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected PTSD. The other claims were denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome is granted, as it was filed on February 16, 1996. The decision also grants a rating increase for supraventricular tachycardia.

The Veteran's hiatal hernia with reflux and irritable bowel syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the symptoms described.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including irritable bowel syndrome, depressive disorder, arthralgias in multiple joints, headaches, and fatigue, idiopathic fasciculation (muscle twitching), tinnitus, chondromalacia patella of the bilateral knees, left shoulder tendonitis, post-operative scar tissue, and chronic sinusitis with nosebleeds, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a compulsive eating disorder (obesity), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as secondary to her service-connected PTSD. The claim for service connection for a complete hysterectomy was remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, chronic residuals of syphilis, chronic residuals of infectious mononucleosis, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD (claimed as secondary to PTSD).

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypothyroidism. Service connection was also denied for PTSD, IBS, sleep apnea, and a right hand disorder. A right ankle disorder claim is being remanded.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen his service connection claims for CFS and IBS, as well as his service connection claim for a right knee condition. The effective date of these decisions is not specified.

The Veteran's interstitial cystitis is rated at 40 percent since September 12, 2008. She was granted an initial rating of 40 percent for her service-connected interstitial cystitis prior to that date.,The Veteran's IBS is rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disorder and residuals of fractures of the ribs. The Veteran's current right shoulder disability is found to be at least as likely as not related to his military service, but there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or reported symptoms related to eczema of the hands.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for IBS and diverticulitis have been granted as the evidence shows that these conditions were first diagnosed during her active duty service, with no clear and unmistakable evidence showing they did not pre-exist service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 10% for IBS was granted, and the maximum available rating under the applicable code (DC 7319) is now 30%. The decision also notes that there are no exceptional circumstances warranting extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran developed chronic IBS during service and the Board finds that it is at least as likely as not related to her service. Therefore, service connection for IBS is granted.

The Veteran's appeals of the denials of service connection for hypertension and hyperlipidemia have been withdrawn. The Board finds that there is no current evidence to support a finding of service connection for any of the remaining conditions listed.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and irritable bowel syndrome. The Veteran's current hearing loss is considered a disability, but there is no evidence of in-service acoustic trauma or other causation related to his military service. For the stomach condition, the VA examiner did not provide an opinion regarding direct service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for generalized arthralgia (joint pain) and chronic diarrhea (IBS), finding that these conditions are more likely than not due to an undiagnosed illness as a result of Persian Gulf War service.