IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for her gastro-duodenitis and irritable bowel syndrome with antral ulcer, hiatal hernia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, status post Nissen fundoplication, finding that her symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a chronic psychiatric disability other than PTSD, and his gastrointestinal symptoms are not related to service or undiagnosed illness. The claim is denied.

The veteran's irritable bowel syndrome is rated at 30 percent, the highest possible rating under the applicable criteria. His liver condition does not meet the criteria for a higher than 10 percent rating.

The Board and RO have denied reopening claims for service connection for visual problems, low back disability, heart disability, irritable bowel syndrome, and disability of the feet due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's claims for service connection for an ear disability and increased ratings for GERD, IBS, right shoulder, left ankle, right ankle, left knee, and right knee were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current chronic ear disorder or significant impairment from GERD and IBS.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected gastrointestinal disorder, including IBS and GERD with Barrett's esophagus. The evidence did not show symptoms warranting a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have service connection for any of the claimed conditions based on lack of evidence of in-service occurrence or aggravation.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sinus disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and right elbow disorder are denied. The claim for service connection for IBS is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 7319, and therefore denied an initial compensable rating.

The veteran's claim for service connection for residuals, status post-proctocolectomy as a result of ulcerative colitis and IBS is being remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion. The issue also includes secondary service connection for PTSD.

The veteran's combined rating of 80 percent for service-connected disabilities (PTSD, IBS, and left knee issues) meets the criteria for a TDIU rating. The Board found that his PTSD alone prevents him from obtaining substantially gainful employment.

The veteran seeks service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and migraine headaches, both claimed as due to an undiagnosed illness. The case is being remanded for further development including VA examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected gastrointestinal disability, including GERD and IBS, does not warrant an initial rating higher than the current 10 percent.

The Board finds that the veteran's skin rash with cysts did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence linking it to his active duty. The claim for service connection for a bowel disorder (including irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease) has been referred back to the RO due to lack of available VA treatment records from 1992-1993.

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than August 30, 2002 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities has been denied as the evidence does not establish that his service-connected conditions rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to this date.

The Board denied service connection for low back condition, fractured ribs, left foot condition, right foot condition, and residuals of a right toe contusion. The claim for bronchitis was remanded.,Service records do not show any documented injuries or conditions related to the claimed conditions.

The veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, and fibromyalgia are found to be due to an undiagnosed illness related to service in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations. The gastrointestinal disorder other than IBS is also found to be due to an undiagnosed illness, but not service-connected. Headaches are found to be due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, and somatoform disorder are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Service connection was also denied for testicular cancer and skin cancer.