Irritable Bowel Syndrome Issues

[ffd95]

Greetings all. This is my first post, I'm so glad I found this site with so much helpful information. So here goes:

After coming back from Desert Storm, I started having digestive issues. Since I've done two more tours in Iraq, it's become very difficult. I filed a claim last year, and was told by the examiner that the bowel problems were caused by taking too many Tums antacids, and my claim was denied. I told my personal physician what the doctor said and he said he couldn't be more wrong. My doctor sent me for colonoscopy, came back negative, and the term escapes me, but they basically put a camera down your throat. They could see irritation from the acid reflux.

I recently received a va newsletter, where they have stated that Irritable bowel syndrome is on the list of being presumed service connected if you served when and where I was located.

I went to the state VA service officer and she filed for IBS again. (I didn't appeal the first decision, I have just about given up on VA)

How do I get another exam? Will this happen since I filed again? My personal doctor has diagnosed me with IBS. I've even gone so far as to take pictures of my stools with my cell phone and downloaded them to my computer. They are all time stamped, so they can see that this is a daily issue. Does anyone have any suggestions on what else I could do?

Thank you so very much for your time. Sorry it's so long winded, my brain just doesn't work like it used to.

Brad Doyle

Fairview Heights, IL

[justrluk]

So sorry you're dealing with this condition, let alone trying to get the VA to understand what you're going through. I've had a resection due to cancer, and am now faced with a second surgery. Once this happens, since I was finally rated for colon issues, I plan on requesting an increase. I'm not looking forward to it, but think you'll get another C&P since this is really a claim for increase v. reconsideration/NOD from the first decision. I would also send in any information from your personal physician.

[Berta]

"from Chicago telling me they need to know exactly why I want my PTSD increased."

as the VA increased your PTSD medications due to more symptoms?

Have you ad any employment problems since last rating?

Any legal problems since last rating? Due to anger or stuff like that.

Have you been going to a vet center?

Have you for any reason accessed any crisis hotlines regarding your PTSD?

"I often break down crying in the middle of the day, and don't know how to stop. I haven't been to the PTSD ward at VA for quite some time. The last Dr I was assigned to had cancelled the last 3 appointments I had with her. "

Can you prove that?

"I made an appointment with a nurse at that clinic. She told me outright that they may never fix the PTSD, only make it more bearable. I have never felt so helpless and alone in my life at that point. So I requested to be assigned to another doctor, and never heard back from them. "

This is all problematic if you re open your PTSD claim. The VA needs to know disabled veterans are getting continuous treatments and meds to justify their comp awards.

"Then they also mention that they denied my stomach issues back in 2007. I wasn't even seen by the C&P doctor till 2010! They want me to provide proof that I've had this problem since returning from Desert Storm."

They are looking here for the same type of evidence as for the PTSD claim:

Documented medical evidence that you have had a current physical disability -the stomach problem)since returning from the Gulf War.

[ironside]

I can't help with the PTSD but I am service connected for IBS. You said "They want me to provide proof that I've had this problem since returning from Desert Storm". This is a generic response letter that is very confusing, ignore it. You fall under the presumtive rules since you served in Desert Storm (thank you for your service) so you only have to provide proof that you have IBS. If you haven't already done so, submit the records from your private Dr showing a diagnosis of IBS. That is all the proof you need. I hope this helps.

hello i am also service connected for ptsd .. right now im trying to get ibs secondary to the ptsd .. the doc who did the interview wrote in his opinion that that ptsd caused the ibs .. so i guess thats good .. but i know they ill just take it into consideration ...