IBS & irritable bowel Board decisions

The Board denied an initial compensable evaluation for irritable bowel syndrome, finding that the evidence did not show frequent episodes of bowel disturbance with abdominal distress.

The veteran's irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is rated at a 30 percent disability level, representing the most disabling since September 1992.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are not well-grounded and have been denied.

The Board has determined that there is no medical evidence linking the veteran's claimed residuals of a head injury and rib injuries to his service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board granted an increased disability rating of 60 percent for ischemic heart disease and a 10 percent disability rating for the residuals of a gunshot wound to the left ankle, effective October 17, 1995. The appellant's claim for earlier effective date was also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and an increased rating for bilateral pes planus, finding that there was no well-grounded claim for either issue.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence of a nexus between the veteran's claimed conditions and his period of service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for rib fractures resulting from a coronary artery bypass grafting surgery is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder, including a bowel disorder and a stomach disorder, is not well grounded. The evidence does not establish a link between his current conditions and his period of active duty service.

The veteran's recognized active service does not include status as a POW, and there is no reasonable basis to question the finding of the service department that he was not a POW. The appeal for recognition as a former POW for VA purposes is denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including malaria and beriberi, were denied due to lack of evidence. The claim for recognition as a POW was also denied because the veteran did not meet the criteria for being considered a POW for at least 30 days.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy, avitaminosis, and irritable bowel syndrome as presumptively incurred during the appellant's Prisoner of War status. Service connection for kidney stones was denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis are denied.

The Board denied service connection for a heart disorder and left shoulder disorder, but granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome and depressive disorder. The veteran's attorney was paid fees based on past-due benefits awarded due to the grant of service connection for left cervical radiculopathy.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection of residuals of a ruptured right tympanic membrane, bilateral ankle disability, and irritable bowel syndrome are not well grounded. The evidence does not support current diagnoses or disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diverticulitis and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as an increased rating of 50% for reflux esophagitis. The cervical and thoracic spine disability claims are still pending.

The veteran's claims for service connection for irritable bowel syndrome, an increased rating for subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities were denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gender identification disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and bilateral pes planus. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is also denied.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including tinnitus, malignant melanoma of the left shoulder, basal cell carcinoma of the face, skin rash (acne), abdominal disorder (diverticulitis), headaches, acquired psychiatric disorder (depression), residuals of right nephrectomy, cyst of the liver and gallbladder, tingling of the lower extremities, a disorder of the left eyelid with associated loss of vision, residuals of stress fractures of the left tibia and ribs, and chest pain. The ratings for these conditions have not been assigned yet.