IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claims are granted for left foot injury, chronic respiratory condition (undiagnosed illness), joint pain, swelling, and weakness of the lower extremities, bilateral, gastrointestinal disorder (irritable bowel syndrome), migraine and tension headaches, fatigue, and back disability. The conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found that the veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease and diverticulosis warranted a rating of 10 percent, but not in excess. The condition was characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his rib fractures do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to new regulations implementing the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, and a VA examination is required.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen claims for service connection for intestinal parasites, duodenal ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, and bilateral chondromalacia patella. The claim for service connection for a psychosis is addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board found that there is no current evidence of a stomach condition, and thus denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to provide for his own daily self-care or protect himself from the hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment.

The veteran's left carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral subcutaneous mastectomies (partly due to service-connected fibrocystic breast disease), tinnitus, migraine headaches, hypertension, and irritable bowel syndrome are all granted. The residuals of her left foot bunionectomy and ostectomy with bilateral hallux valgus are also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left thumb disability, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), tinnitus, and a psychiatric disorder. The initial noncompensable evaluations assigned following grants of service connection were also denied.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, a genitourinary disorder, and an acquired psychiatric disorder including depression. The claim for PTSD was denied as there were no verified in-service stressors.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for fibromyalgia with chronic fatigue, migraine headaches, and other service-connected conditions were denied as the evidence did not show symptoms that warranted a higher rating.

The veteran seeks earlier effective dates for service connection for IBS and bipolar disorder, but the RO found no evidence of claims prior to the date of receipt of their respective applications.,For low back disability, the veteran sought an increased rating from 40% to 60%, which was granted on December 14, 1994. He now seeks an earlier effective date.

The veteran's initial evaluation for IBS, manifested as Crohn's disease, was granted but the rating assigned is 10 percent. The Board has determined that this decision should be reconsidered.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including upper gastrointestinal bulb disorder, chronic prostatitis, bladder injury residuals, flat feet, hypertension, rupture and strain of the left testicle, circulatory disorder of the legs and feet, muscle strain and cartilage injury of the stomach, heart and chest, hiatal hernia, left leg and groin disability, and broken ribs. The Board found that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service.

The veteran's claims for effective dates prior to January 31, 1991 for a 70 percent evaluation for generalized anxiety disorder with PTSD and a 30 percent evaluation for gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome with history of duodenal ulcer have been denied. The grant of TDIU and DEA eligibility was also granted effective January 31, 1991.

The Board found that the appellant's service-connected irritable bowel syndrome with gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastritis did not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeals regarding service connection for arthritis of the back due to service-connected residuals of fractures of the left 4th through 8th ribs and an increased rating for service-connected residuals of left pneumothorax with restrictive lung disease, as he did not file timely substantive appeals.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected gastrointestinal and gynecological disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.